Pegasus Returns to LMP2, Fields Morgan-Nissan

After a two-year absence from top-level prototype racing, Pegasus Racing announced its return to the European Le Mans Series for 2014, confirming Monday that it will enter a Morgan-Nissan in the LMP2 class this year.

The French squad, which won the ELMS LMPC teams and drivers’ championship in 2011, has purchased an OnRoak Automotive-developed prototype as part of a new three-year commitment. Pegasus has also submitted an entry request for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The team are no strangers to LMP2 competition, having contested the ELMS in 2009 with a Courage LC75 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans the following year with a Norma M200P.

“We preferred to take one step back in order to do two forward,” said team co-owner Julien Schell. “In 2009 we arrived in LMP2 with a Courage that was already an old design. Even so, the results were pretty satisfactory.

“We learned a lot and we showed that we had what it took to race in endurance at the top level. On the other hand, in 2010 we took part in the Le Mans 24 hours in a Norma that had done virtually no running, and [were a trail-blazer in the new cost-capped LMP2 regulations].

“So today we’re more than ready to take up this new challenge. With the Morgan we have a quick, reliable car that’s capable of fighting at the front on a regular basis. We can also count on the technical support of the factory, which is crucial.”

Schell will pilot the solo LMP2 entry with Swiss driver Niki Leutwiler, who won the SPEED EuroSeries championship with Peagasus last year. A third driver will be announced at a later date.

The team expects to take delivery of the car early next month, with private testing planned prior to the official ELMS test days at Paul Ricard on April 1-2.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John