WEC: SMP launches new LMP2 racer

Russian entrant SMP Racing has unveiled the new LMP2 coupe with which it will compete at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the European Le Mans Series.

The wraps came off the new BR Engineering-Nissan BR01, designed by former Peugeot engineer Paolo Cantone, on the second day of the official ELMS test at Paul Ricard. The car is not taking part in the test because it is not complete, but it is scheduled to run for the first time at the French circuit on Sunday, ahead of further testing before the ELMS series opener at Silverstone on April 11.

Cantone explained that several key parts had yet to be delivered, which had resulted in the latest delay of a car that had originally been scheduled to run last November.

"We are still missing some of the electronics and some bodywork," he said.

International sanctions against Russia had caused the lengthy delay by forcing the build process back into a time period when suppliers were busy with Formula 1 contracts, he explained. The two BR01s will be raced by Nicolas Minassian, Maurizio Mediani and David Markozov, and former IndyCar racer Mikhail Aleshin and Ladygin brothers, Kirill and Anton.

The cars will be run from SMP's workshops near Nice, rather than by the AF Corse team that masterminded its victory in the LMP2 class of last year's World Endurance Championship with Sergey Zlobin.

Originally on Autosport.com