Strakka Dome won't race until WEC finale

The debut of the Strakka Dome LMP2 coupe has been delayed until the final round of this year's World Endurance Championship in Brazil.

The Nissan-powered Strakka Dome S103 is now scheduled to race for the first time at the Interlagos WEC finale on November 30 after the decision to rework the rear suspension of the car.

Changes to the geometry have required a new gearbox casing and bellhousing, both long lead-time items, and have precluded the car from testing since the accident in testing at Spa in May that forced its withdrawal from the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The S103 will begin its test program in its original configuration with straightline running at the Turweston Aerodrome near the team's Silverstone base next week. A further three track tests are planned before the car makes its race debut in Brazil.

Strakka Racing team principal Dan Walmsley said: "This program was always very tight, and with a need to go and test these and other changes we are making, Brazil is the best option for a race debut. We are sorry to to only be out in one round, but as a professional race team and a development partner for this car, Strakka will only ever race the car when it is proven and a competitive package."

A second S103 monocoque has now been completed and Strakka aims to have a second car up and running to enable the team to continue testing in Europe when the original car leaves for South America.

The Strakka Dome was scheduled to complete the full WEC, but undisclosed problems forced it to miss the opening two rounds at Silverstone and Spa.