LMS: Pegasus Racing confirm Norma attack

Pegasus Racing has confirmed that it will enter a Norma M200 in the LMP2 class of the Le Mans Series this season.

The French squad made its debut in the LMS with a Courage-Oreca LC75 in 2009, and has spent the winter readying its Norma, which will benefit from Judd power, for the car’s first ever LMS campaign. Team owner, Julien Schell, Jean-Christophe Metz and Frédéric Da Rocha will share the car which will carry the colours of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, France’s Heart Surgery Foundation.

Metz, part of Pegasus Racing’s junior squad, made an impressive, points-scoring LMS debut in last season’s Silverstone 1000kms and has also raced in Formula Ford and V de V.

“I’m really looking forward to the new car,” said the 21-year-old. “I think Norma’s done a great job and Pegasus has always given priority to reliability. The combination of the various skills gives me a lot of confidence. As a young driver and entrepreneur, I’m also happy that Frédéric’s joined us as he has considerable experience in both areas.”

Da Rocha, who holds dual French and Portuguese nationality, raced in the LMS with Ibanez Racing last season and finished second in the final standings of the LMP2 class in the inaugural Asian Le Mans Series.

“It’s a new challenge for me with Pegasus Racing,” he said. “Last year, we were rivals and I saw just how hard working the team is, and it also knows where it’s going. J

“Julien will give me a little extra boost in terms of driving, and racing with younger drivers can only improve my level. I share a real endurance philosophy with them, which privileges team spirit and the ability to look after the car. I also have a lot of time for (Norma’s) Norbert Santos, and the fact that Norma is making a comeback to top-level racing played a major part in my decision.”

The car is Norma’s first ever LMP2 chassis and recently passed its crash test in Milan with flying colours and has been homologated by the ACO and the FIA. As well as competing in the LMS, the team has been nominated as first LMP reserve for the Le Mans 24 Hours.


Andy Wilkinson

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