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European Le Mans Series

Paul Ricard Weekend Notebook

Sportscar365’s weekend notebook from Paul Ricard…

Photo: Adrenal Media/ELMS

Photo: Adrenal Media/ELMS

***The pair of SMP Racing-run BR01 Nissans are racing under the AF Racing banner this weekend, which has thus allowed the Russian team to make the switch from Michelin to Dunlop tires. Government sanctions placed on SMP Bank co-owners Boris and Arkady Rotenberg prevented a contract with the American-owned tire company, which is a subsidy of Goodyear.

***Krohn Racing has made a last minute change in its lineup this weekend, with Nic Jonsson rejoining Tracy Krohn and Olivier Pla, and effectively replacing Ozz Negri. The Silver-rated Brazilian is still on-site at Paul Ricard but will not drive.

***The decision to place Jonsson back in the car has been triggered due to the Swede recently being downgraded to Silver driver rating, thus allowing him to help complete the car’s minimum drive time alongside team owner Krohn.

***The pair of Ibanez Racing Oreca 03R Nissans are absent this weekend, with the French squad hoping to be present in next month’s season finale at Estoril.

***Rory Butcher and Jonny Cocker have joined JMW Motorsport this weekend, steering the No. 66 Ferrari F458 Italia with Robert Smith.

***Pegasus Racing only has a two-driver lineup this weekend, with Julien Schell not joining Leo Roussel and David Cheng behind the wheel of the team’s Morgan LMP2, as the Frenchman focuses on team management. A new third driver could run with the team at Estoril.

***There’s been a number of Balance of Performance adjustments to GTE and GTC cars. The Porsche 911 RSR gains 10kg and gets a 6-liter increase in fuel capacity, as well as a larger refueling restrictor.

***The BMW Z4 GTE gets an 8-liter fuel capacity and refueling restrictor increase, although its rear wing has been lowered. The car also has a new bumper and diffuser for the Four Hours of Le Castellet.

***In GTC, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 has been given a power increase, while the BMW Z4 GT3 gets a weight break and refueling restrictor increase.

***A Dunlop tire test was held today at lunchtime, allowing the opportunity for GTE cars to test its new rubber for 2016.

***The ACO has confirmed four approved LMP3 constructors as being Ginetta, ADESS AG, Onroak Automotive and Riley-Ave. A fifth and final constructor will be selected following a Sept. 15 deadline for proposals. It’s understood there are two other manufacturers evaluating P3 programs.

***United Autosports completed a shakedown of its newly built Ginetta-Nissan LMP3 car earlier this week in England, with team co-owner Richard Dean handling driving duties. The team is expected to make its series debut next month in Estoril.

***At least two ELMS P2 teams are evaluating possible programs for January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Laurent Mercier contributed to this report

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