IMSA: ORECA pushes ahead on 2017 P2 design

ORECA technical director David Floury and the production team involved in manufacturing the company's new-for-2017 "07" P2 chassis have made considerable progress ahead of a late summer rollout.

The 07, which is set to replace its successful 05 chassis (left, LAT photo), is currently being manufactured at ORECA's base in France. It's expected to see action in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year when both series move to new P2 regulations.

"Manufacturing started [90 days ago] and we are finishing up the component design," Floury said. "The aero spec is now finalized and we will start producing the bodywork now."

Having passed the FIA's P1-grade crash testing with the 05's carbon fiber tub, ORECA will carry over that centerpiece, and some of the 05's chassis parts, which has expedited the 07's production.

"Also, we have to take into consideration that we are using some existing components [from the 05] that are already proven, so that is why we are advanced (on the 07's production timeline)," continued Floury (below left, photo courtesy of Toyota Racing).

"On the chassis, and some of the mechanical components, we are on proven ground, so we know where we are going already. The 05 chassis is the only chassis fully complying with the [P1 crash test] and it is compliant for 2017, so we will use it. It enables the current [05] chassis to be updated to the 07."

Proper track testing for the 2017 P2 models being built by ORECA, Onroak, Riley-Multimatic, and Dallara will have to wait until England's Gibson Technology – which is building the spec V8 engine that will power the WEC field (and any IMSA P2 entrants that use the WEC P2 in the WeatherTech Championship) – completes the first batch of powerplants.

"We've had no particular challenge with the Gibson; we have worked with them in the past and have a good relationship," Floury said. "It has been very simple to integrate this engine into the car. The first engines are available the second half of August, so we will begin testing after that."

At present, ORECA is focused on the WEC Gibson-powered version of the 07, and continues to explore partnerships with auto manufacturers to develop an IMSA "Daytona Prototype international" model of the 07 featuring custom bodywork and a different engine.

"We have started to think about the DPi regulations and the best way to design the car," he said. "We are discussing with a few manufacturers; one or two [discussions] are very advanced at the moment, but we have not started to cut material [on a DPi]."

Floury expects to see at least one 07 on the grid for January's Rolex 24 at Daytona.

"We anticipate we will sell quite a few cars, and we clearly want to have 07s at Daytona and we're working towards this," he said. "We are confident to achieve this goal."

Although Floury would not confirm the rumors, ORECA is believed to have received inquiries on the 07 from IMSA teams in its Prototype, PC, and GT Daytona classes. At least one open-wheel team has also contacted ORECA about the 07 model.