Photo: Bruno Vandevelde/Endurance-Info
ByKolles has revealed intentions of building a car to the FIA and ACO’s new ‘Hypercar’ platform, with the LMP1 privateer squad already in the planning stages for 2020, according to team principal Manfredi Ravetto.
The Austrian-badged operation, which has fielded self-built CLM P1/01 LMP1 cars in the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2014, intends to continue in the globe-trotting championship once it moves to the yet-to-be-named platform for the 2020-21 season.
“We want to be there and we’re already working on it. Now we have to deal with our business partners,” Ravetto told Endurance-Info.
“Dr. Kolles wants to go into this category. We are also waiting for some clarification on the regulations but the proposed package makes us want to be part of it.”
While the car would likely be built in-house, Ravetto said they are currently exploring powertrain options, with several possibilities for hybrid systems, which will become mandatory under the new regulations.
He expressed his desire to continue its customer relationship with Nissan, which has supplied its three-liter V6 NISMO VRX 30A powerplant to the team for the last two seasons.
“The rules are just out, so you have to leave a little time to [evaluate],” Ravetto said.
“We know that the project requires a lot of financial resources. If the media is there, if the image is positive, then this championship can become stronger than F1.
“The ACO and the FIA are working in the right direction. We feel the will of everyone to get there.”
Under the regulations, which were released earlier this month, privateers will be permitted to build cars with or without production demands, depending on the origin of the engine and hybrid system.
ByKolles is the second team to publicly declare intentions of building a Hypercar, joining Glickenhaus, which outlined plans to develop a car based on its SCG007.
While yet to be officially confirmed, Toyota is expected to be among the manufacturers in the class, alongside the likelihood of Aston Martin for the first season.
ByKolles Targeting Overall Le Mans Glory
Ravetto said he believes the Hypercar platform will allow a privateer team like themselves to fight with factories for overall honors in WEC races and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“The new regulation is much more favorable to private teams than the current one,” he said. “It’s much better than a EoT or a BoP. Many things are controlled, both aero and hybridization.
“On our side, we continue to develop a structure. We now have 45 people, knowing that we are working in other areas of engineering. The team was still in Formula One six years ago.
“I am convinced of the future of the WEC.
“Dr. Kolles wants to win the 24 hours of Le Mans and I have no doubt for a second that he will achieve it someday. It’s just a matter of time and being able to put all the ingredients together.
“Winning Le Mans is the most complicated thing. Dr. Kolles knows how to be patient to reach his ends. He’s waiting for the right time for that. ”
Laurent Mercier contributed to this report
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