Kodewa Poised for LMP1 Program with new Lotus T129

Photo: John Dagys

Rebellion Racing may not be racing unopposed in LMP1-L after all, as Lotus is poised to be represented on the FIA World Endurance Championship grid with an evolution of its LMP2 contender.

According to the German website Motorsport-Total.com, Kodewa is preparing to enter a new Lotus T129 in the LMP1 privateer class this year, a car that has been reportedly under development for the last several months.

The Lotus T129 is understood to share the same tub from the T128 LMP2 car, which was built to 2014 LMP1 regulations. Kodewa campaigned two of the Judd-powered prototypes in the FIA WEC last year with modest results.

It’s believed that the T129 will utilize AER’s new twin-turbo V6 powerplant, despite having initially evaluated an engine/hybrid option from Zytek. LMP1-L rules prohibit energy recovery systems.

Only a single-car program is expected for the entire eight-round FIA WEC season, with a second T129 likely for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, according to the German online publication.

No official confirmation has come from the team. When contacted, a spokesperson said an announcement regarding their 2014 plans will be made very soon.

It would mark only the second LMP1 privateer program for the new-for-2014 regulations, which has yet to gain significant interest from independent teams.

OAK Racing has continued to search for an alliance with an engine manufacturer for its OnRoak Automotive-designed LMP1 coupe, while Level 5 Motorsports, which had been evaluating a potential WEC program, is now likely to focus entirely on its U.S.-based efforts.

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