Ibanez Confirms Two-Car Oreca 03R-Nissan Entry in 2015

Photo: Ibanez Racing for Sportscar365

Known for its commitment in the VdeV Endurance Series in recent years, Ibanez Racing will re-enter the European Le Mans Series next season with confirmation of a two-car Oreca 03R-Nissan effort in LMP2. (En Français)

The French squad, run by Jose Ibanez, has also submitted a pair of entry requests for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, utilizing the equipment that was due to run under the Millennium Racing banner in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship.

“We bought three chassis and spares that were held by ADR-Delta,” Ibanez told Endurance-Info in an exclusive interview. “Two cars will be run in the ELMS under the Ibanez Racing banner.

“The deal with Simon Dowson was completed two weeks ago. We will have support during winter testing and for the first meeting at Silverstone.”

Ibanez are no strangers to prototype racing, having fielded a Courage LC75 AER in the ELMS in 2009, while also having joined forces with DKR Engineering in its Lola B11/40 Judd last year.

The key man behind the revived LMP2 effort is Pierre Perret. The former entrepreneur comes from historic racing, although also having previously driven for Paul Belmondo Racing in the GT ranks.

“We were immediately directed to LMP2,” Ibanez said. “We wanted a closed top car but this could not be done for 2015. However, the idea is to move to two coupes in 2016.”

No decision has been made on the future car, but it’s understood the team could utilize the new Oreca 05 in 2016.

Ibanez will start its 2015 campaign with a three-day test at Motorland Aragon on Jan 22-25, followed by outings at Silvertone on Feb. 13 and 27.

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