First Photo of Oreca 07 Revealed

Photo: ORECA

ORECA has revealed the first photo of its new-generation LMP2 car that will compete in ACO championships, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, beginning next year.

While based off its Le Mans class-winning Oreca 05 model, including sharing the same basic tub design, the Oreca 07 will feature an all-new bodywork, as well as mechanical developments.

“I’m happy with all the work done by the technical team,” ORECA President Hugues de Chaunac told Endurance-Info. “We will have a beautiful car.

“The 07 is not an evolution of the 05, but a brand new car. It takes into account the experience of 03 and 05.

“The chassis is identical but with developments. The mechanical base is known and it is based on this experience. There will also mechanical developments to further enhance reliability and improve performance.”

ORECA is the first LMP2 constructor to release a photo of its 2017 LMP2 car, although the above image does not appear to show Oreca 07-specific details.

Most of the existing Oreca 05 customer teams are expected to purchase an upgrade kit to make their car eligible for the 2017 LMP2 regulations, while de Chaunac said they already have three firm orders for the all-new car.

The French constructor, meanwhile, has continued discussions with several manufacturers on potential DPi programs for the WeatherTech Championship.

“The U.S. remains a priority for ORECA in 2017,” de Chaunac said. “We will do whatever it takes to shine there and we will be present.

“We’re talking with teams present in IMSA in various categories: P2, DP, PC, GT and even not currently in the series. There is also interest in the Oreca 07 in WEC configuration. At least one chassis should be on track next season [in IMSA] in the WEC configuration.”

De Chaunac anticipates the first Oreca 07 to begin on-track testing in late September.

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