United Autosports Extends ORECA Tie-Up Through 2032

United Autosports has announced an extension of its collaboration with ORECA to field the French marque’s LMP2 cars through 2032, confirming it will use the upcoming Oreca 09 chassis that is set to be introduced when new regulations debut in 2028.

The two firms have collaborated since 2019, when United elected to switch from Ligier chassis to the all-conquering Oreca 07 Gibson for its campaigns in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series.

Since then, United has become one of the benchmark teams in the class, and continues to use the 07 for multi-car efforts across the ELMS, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Asian Le Mans Series.

With ORECA set to introduce the all-new 09 to replace the 07 when new rules come into force in 2028, United has now confirmed it will be among the teams to run the new car, which will face renewed competition from Ligier in the next rules cycle.

The Yorkshire-based outfit will continue to field the Oreca 07 until the end of 2027.

United CEO and team principal Richard Dean commented: “It’s great to be extending our partnership with ORECA through to 2032 as we transition to the new 09 chassis.

“Our longstanding relationship with the entire ORECA team, is backed by a proven track record — two Le Mans victories, the Daytona 24 Hours last year and more recently our first IMSA one-two at the 12 Hours of Sebring, as well as many championship titles just to name a few.

“This year marks the eighth consecutive year United Autosports have fielded the Oreca 07 LMP2 across multiple championships and I firmly believe the Oreca 07 to be one of, if not the most successful race car designs of recent history.

“We are excited to continue making unforgettable memories together with ORECA Motorsport and the next generation LMP2 car.”

ORECA President Hugues de Chaunac added: “I couldn’t be happier today as United Autosports renews its trust in ORECA with a clear ambition: to win, you need the best teams, the best drivers and the best car.

“I’m also delighted to see such a strong and clear future for the LMP2 category from 2028 onwards. By then, many ORECA chassis will certainly be on the grid, but United Autosports will have the privilege of running the very first one.”

United’s announcement follows the ACO reaffirming the target date of 2028 for the start of the next-generation LMP2 rules, which will feature ORECA and Ligier chassis using a standard Gibson 3.4-liter V6 engine and Goodyear tires, the latter in the ELMS and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Track testing for the Oreca 09 is slated to begin in 2027 ahead of its debut the next year.