CARENDURANCELMS

Lola has unveiled its first open top LMP2 chassis to comply with the Automobile Club de L'Ouest's new-for 2011 regulations.

The B11/40 has been designed to allow privateer teams to run in the cost-capped formula which will replace the current breed of LMP2 prototypes as the ACO bids to reduce budgets.

That also sees the category switching to production-based engines with Lola’s design, which visually at least draws on the manufacturer’s recent prototypes, able to accommodate BMW, Ford, HPD, Jaguar, Nissan and Toyota units. 

Lola is the first of the current LMP2 manufacturers to unveil its new generation LMP2 car, although Norma’s M200, which was built and raced at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours before the ACO firmed up its 2011 regulations, is also eligible.

The British marque, whose cars have won the LMP2 class at Le Mans three times, is expected to announce the B11/40’s coupe variant and LMP1 contender in the coming weeks.

Tom Hornsby