SMP Racing BR01 Nissan Completes Shakedown

Photo: SMP Racing

Following its unveiling during last week’s European Le Mans Series pre-season test, SMP Racing’s all-new BR01 LMP2 car has completed its first shakedown.

Reigning FIA WEC LMP2 champion and SMP Racing sporting director Sergey Zlobin and Nicolas Minassian handled driving duties of the Nissan-powered car for its first laps Sunday at Paul Ricard, completing roughly 60 miles with no reported issues.

Testing continues today with Zlobin, Minassian as well as Maurizio Mediani and Mikhail Aleshin.

The Russian prototype, designed by Paolo Catone, will compete in this year’s ELMS and 24 Hours of Le Mans, with two confirmed entries.

As the car has faced delays due to issues with sourcing parts, it’s unclear if the BR01 will make its race debut at Silverstone in two weeks’ time, or rather be pushed back to the second round of the season at Imola in May.

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