BR Engineering, Dallara Join Forces for LMP1 Project with SMP

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

BR Engineering and Dallara have joined forces for a new LMP1 project, which will be run by SMP Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2018.

Motorsport.com reports that the Russian constructor, owned by Boris Rotenberg, has inked a deal with Dallara CEO Andrea Pontremoli for joint development of the BR1 prototype next year, which will be run in the LMP1 Privateer class.

The deal keeps the prototype subclass alive following Rebellion Racing’s withdrawal at the end of this year, with only ByKolles Racing set to be represented on the grid next year.

Rotenberg’s SMP team, meanwhile, will make the step up to the top prototype class, after two seasons of LMP2 competition with BR Engineering’s BR01 prototype.

“We raised a challenge to ourselves,” Rotenberg said. “It was possible to buy a chassis of one of the four manufacturers of LMP2 for a season, also it was possible to leave for good, but we have always chosen our own path.

“Not necessarily, and not always the easiest, but [this way] is for sure the most interesting and promising. The aim of the project was and remains the development of Russian motorsport, including the technology sector.”

SMP Racing, which has long been linked with AF Corse, will switch operations to longtime Dallara partner ART Grand Prix, which will also be involved in the development of the car.

No word has been given on SMP’s plans for next year, although it’s believed a GTE-Am program could be in the works for the WEC.

Dallara is one of four approved constructors for the new-look LMP2 class, which launches next year.

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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