OAK Racing 2009 Asian Le Mans Series

PRESS K
IT
20
09
ASIAN LE MANS SERIES
J a c q u e s N i co le t , President of OAK Racing
“2009 is a turning point in the history of OAK Racing with
the arrival of two quality partners: Mazda and Dunlop. We
are very proud that the only Japanese manufacturer to
have triumphed in the Le Mans 24 Hours and a tyre
manufacturer which has achieved 34 victories in the
prestigious event have decided to join us. These partners
have been a major attribute to the team and the results
of the European season have been very positive: three
podiums in the Le Mans Series, at the Spa, Nürburgring
and Silverstone 1000kms and, like last year, a podium at
the Le Mans 24 Hours. Our season will finish in Okayama
in Japan, with the new Asian Le Mans series. Our entry to
the event follows our strategy of supporting our partners
and our helping the ACO to create new series which aid
the worldwide development of endurance racing. With the same car which finished in 3rd
position at the Le Mans 24 Hours, we will do our best to finish the season on a high and show
our partners they were right to put their trust in us.”
OAK RACING, TEAM MAZDA FRANCE
IN THE ASIAN LE MANS SERIES
OAK Racing, Team Mazda France will participate in the brand-new Asian Le Mans Series at
Okayama with a Mazda-powered Pescarolo LMP2 prototype. The team, who finished third
in the LMP2 class of the 2008 and 2009 Le Mans 24 Hours, is partnered by Mazda and
Dunlop.
OAK Racing is a French team, based at the Magny-Cours Technopole near the Formula 1
circuit. Known until 2009 as Saulnier Racing, since 1980 the team became famous in
disciplines ranging from single-seater to sports prototype racing. In 29 seasons of competition, the team totals 48 wins and 135 podium finishes, two of which were at the Le Mans
24 Hours in 2008 and 2009.
Having taken over at the end of 2006, Jacques Nicolet, a motorsport enthusiast and founder
and director of several businesses, now employs more than 20 full-time staff under the
management of François Sicard. The team specialises in racing and developing endurance
and sports prototype racing cars.
OAK Racing opted to concentrate completely in the LMP2 category, the class dedicated to
privateer teams, in 2009. It is the only squad to run Pescarolo LMP2 cars and benefits from a
technical partnership with Henri Pescarolo’s eponymous squad for the development and
aerodynamic evolution of its prototypes.
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
RENOWNED PARTNERS FOR A WIDE SPORTING PROGRAMME
After strong results in terms of performance and reliability during the 2008 season, in
particular at Le Mans with a third place in the LMP2 class, OAK Racing secured technical
partnerships with Dunlop and Mazda. DUNLOP develops specific tyres while MAZDA
provides the MZR-R 2 turbo engine. United by the same objectives, the partners work in
perfect harmony with the team. Within a very short time frame the team developed the
prototypes which proved to be reliable and competitive from their very first season. Results
have been as strong as the sporting programme is wide; the Le Mans Series championship,
Le Mans 24 Hours and the brand new Asian Le Mans Series, created by the ACO.
A POSITIVE EUROPEAN SEASON; FOUR PODIUMS IN SIX RACES, INCLUDING
THE LE MANS 24 HOURS
The team entered two Pescarolo-Mazdas in the LMP2 class of the Le Mans Series. The
championship includes five 1000km races at prestigious circuits around Europe, tracks
which helped create the iconic reputation of Endurance Racing. The series follows the
same sporting and technical regulations as those which cover the Le Mans 24 Hours. At the
end of the season, OAK Racing had secured three podium finishes at the Spa, Nürburgring
and Silverstone 1000kms.
Both of the team’s Pescarolo-Mazdas were also invited by the ACO to participate in the
most famous motor race in the world, the Le Mans 24 Hours. OAK Racing repaid the
organiser’s faith by finishing third in the LMP2 class for the second successive year.
At the end of the six-race European season, the team and its partners have been rewarded
with four podium finishes. These results mean OAK Racing approaches the brand new
Asian Le Mans Series with confidence.
Three of OAK Racing’s drivers will compete in both the 500km races at Okayama at the
wheel of the #24 car on 31 October and 1 November - Matthieu Lahaye, the promising 24year-old who finished third at Le Mans in 2008 with Saulnier Racing, and the gentlemen
drivers Richard Hein and Jacques Nicolet, who finished third at Le Mans this year with OAK
Racing. OAK Racing, Team Mazda France is determined to climb onto the podium again at
its engine partner’s home race.
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING, TEAM MAZDA FRANCE
WITH MAZDA
Mazda France Automobiles and OAK Racing agreed
at the beginning of this season to enter a two year
partnership. The results so far justify the hard work
carried out by both parties.
“The determination of Mazda France Automobiles
and of its President Thierry Guillemot, along with
Mazda’s support, allowed us to start and enjoy this season with confidence. Having Thierry
Guillemot with us in Okayama has strengthened our decision to participate in the new
Asian series. With this in mind we hope to finish the 2009 season on a high and to use these
special moments on Mazda territory to define together our objectives for 2010.”
Jacques Nicolet, President of OAK Racing
"At the end of a season which has seen four podiums in six races, OAK Racing and Mazda
France are eagerly and confidently anticipating the final round of the season. The race will
hold special importance as it takes place in front of the directors of the Mazda Corporation
HQ who will come to their local race to attentively observe the performance of the car
equipped with Mazda engine.”
Thierry Guillemot, President of Mazda France Automobiles
ENDURANCE, A CHALLENGE WHICH MAZDA KNOWS WELL
1991: Up against the likes of established teams Jaguar, Mercedes and Peugeot, Mazda
secures its first overall Le Mans victory, becoming the first and still only Japanese
manufacturer to have ever won the race. The subsequent outlawing of its unique rotary
engine by the FIA ushered Mazda towards the USA to continue its sporting programme. The
latest MZR-R 2L turbo engine, as used by OAK Racing, has been created for the endurance
races of the American Le Mans Series.
“Everyone at Mazda North America is so proud of the job that OAK Racing has done in 2009.
Four podium finishes in their first season with Mazda and all of their work with the Mazda
MZR-R has helped us improve the powerplant in many areas. OAK/Team Mazda France has
been part of one of our best endurance racing seasons results in many years. We are grateful
for the effort, energy, and investment by Jacques and Sylvie Nicolet, Francois Sicard, and
every member of the team. We are also so happy that we have been able to work hand-inhand with Thierry Guillemot and his staff from Mazda France on integrating their marketing
efforts into the program.
To be able to have Mazda on the grid at this first Asian Le Mans Series event is truly very
special. Our corporate heritage of endurance racing dates back to the late 1960s and for
the last 40 years we have had an attitude in motorsports of ‘never give up’ that also carries
over to the marketplace and the fantastic line-up of Mazda vehicles that we produce today.
We are hopeful that the momentum that OAK has gained from Le Mans through to the end
of the season will put us right back on the podium with a strong finish in front of many
Mazda faithful.”
John Doonan, Mazda North America Competition Manager
More information about Mazda Automobiles France can be found at www.mazda-presse.f
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
WITH DUNLOP
OAK Racing and Dunlop are developing a partnership
based around long-term, results-driven objectives.
34 VICTORIES AT THE LE MANS 24 HOURS
“Throughout the season we have been able to enjoy the qualities of the Dunlop tyres which
work very well on the Pescarolo-Mazda and have played an important role in gaining those
results. We are very happy to be able to rely on the support and the professionalism of
Jean-Félix Bazelin’s team. Their local infrastructure during the Asian event will allow us
to discover new sides of our partnership.”
Jacques Nicolet, President of OAK Racing
“Dunlop Motorsport EU, like OAK Racing and its partner Mazda, has a specific reason to be
delighted to take part in the Asian Le Mans Series at Okayama. Japan is close to the heart
of Dunlop Motorsport. It is a country where we have a strong industrial and technical
infrastructure. SRI* (Sumitomo Rubber Industries), the producer of Dunlop tyres in this
part of the world, is based in Kobe. Dunlop will therefore be on familiar ground in Okayama
and we will benefit from our local factories to help us produce a strong performance.
Despite the fact that the race is so far away and that the season is nearing a close, we take
this race very seriously and we will do everything we can to guarantee the best result. We
have decided to provide OAK Racing with the most recent and most competitive spec of our
range of 2009 LMP2 tyres as we are well aware that victory means an automatic invitation
to the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2010.
The results achieved so far by OAK Racing allow us to aspire towards another podium
finish. We have already joined the team on the third step of the rostrum four times in 2009,
including of course at the Le Mans 24 Hours. A win at Okayama would crown a fine first
year of working together. Our ambition is to honour our Japanese friends by bringing them
an LMP2 victory to thank them for their hospitality.”
Jean-Félix Bazelin, Dunlop Motorsport Managing Director
Since the 1920s, Dunlop has taken an interest in the effects of speed and heat on its tyre carcasses. Even at that time Dunlop had developed tyres to support speeds higher than 300km/h.
What is learned on the track is applied to the road. They quickly recognised that motorsport
represented the best test bench for research and development. In all categories of competition - F1, Endurance Racing, Prototypes, GTs, Touring Cars, Rally and Rally Raid - Dunlop has
been present to study, analyse and validate the results of its laboratory research. This has led
to an enviable honours list since its first Grand Prix win in 1923, including no less than 34 victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
*SRI is associated with Goodyear as part of the joint venture “Goodyear Dunlop Tyres” to which Dunlop Motorsport EU belongs.
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
FOLLOWING SAULNIER RACING
29 YEARS OF COMPETITION, 48 VICTORIES, 135 PODIUMS
2009
3rd in LMP2 at Le Mans 24 Hours with Pescarolo-Mazda.
#24: Richard Hein, Jacques Nicolet, Jean-François Yvon.
3rd in LMP2 in the Le Mans Series at the Spa, The Nürburgring and the Silverstone 1000kms
with Pescarolo-Mazda.
#24: Richard Hein, Jacques Nicolet.
#35: Karim Ajlani, Matthieu Lahaye.
3rd in the Le Mans Series cars manufacturers classification in LMP2 with Pescarolo-Mazda.
2008
4th in the Le Mans Series in LMP2 (2nd at the the Nürburgring 1000kms in LMP2).
3rd at Le Mans 24 Hours in LMP2 with Pescarolo-Judd.
#35: Cong Fu Cheng, Matthieu Lahaye, Pierre Ragues.
3rd in the Le Mans Series cars manufacturers classification in LMP2 with Pescarolo-Judd.
12th at Le Mans 24 Hours in LMP1 with Pescarolo-Judd.
12th in the Le Mans series in LMP1 with Pescarolo-Judd.
#4: Marc Faggionato, Richard Hein, Jacques Nicolet.
2007
4th in the Le Mans Series in LMP2 with Courage-AER.
(2nd at the Valencia 1000kms in LMP2).
Drivers: Jacques Nicolet, Alain Filhol, Bruce Jouanny.
2006
4th in the Le Mans Series in LMP1 - 2 podiums.
Drivers: Harold Primat, Marcel Fassler.
2004
5th in the World Series by Renault.
Driver: Tristan Gommendy.
2001
Champions in French F3.
Driver: Ryo Fukuda.
1999
3rd in British F3.
Driver: Jenson Button.
1998
2nd in British F3 – 6 wins.
Driver: Enrique Bernoldi.
1997
2nd in British F3 – 8 wins.
Driver: Nicolas Minassian.
1992
Champions in French F3.
Drivers: Franck Lagorce (1st), Emmanuel Clerico (2nd).
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
LES PILOTES
PESCAROLO-MAZDA LMP2 N°24
CARREER HIGHLIGHTS RICHARD HEIN
Born 24 June 1958
Nationality:Monaco
Residency: Monaco
2009
The Le Mans 24 Hours: 3rd in LMP2 with OAK Racing.
The Le Mans Series championship: 3rd in LMP2 with OAK Racing
at the Silverstone 1000 kms.
2008
12th in LMP1 at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Saulnier Racing.
12th in LMP1 in the Le Mans Series with Saulnier Racing.
2007
V de V Modern with Ligier JS49 (HRC racing team).
2006 - 2005
F3 Classic Championship with Ralt RT3 and Lotus 22 Junior Classic:
European and French Championships and Monaco Historic Grand Prix.
2004
French Rally Championship with Subaru WRC 2004.
(Subaru France Team and Willy Colignon).
2003 - 2002
World and French Rally Championships (Subaru WRC
Cilti Sport Team).
2001 - 2000
World and French Rally Championships with Peugeot 306 Maxi Kit
(BSA Motorsport Team).
2000 - 1999
World Rally Championship with Mitsubishi N Group
(Nocentini Team).
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
LES PILOTES
PESCAROLO-MAZDA LMP2 N°24
PALMARÈS JACQUES NICOLET
Born 5 april 1956
Nationality: French
Residency: Paris
2009
The Le Mans 24 Hours: 3rd in LMP2 with OAK Racing.
The Le Mans Series Championship: 3rd in LMP2 with OAK Racing
at the Silverstone 1000 kms.
2008
12th in LMP1 at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Saulnier Racing.
12th in LMP1 in the Le Mans Series with Saulnier Racing.
3rd in the Classic Endurance Racing championship (3 wins, 1 podium, 1 DNF) with
Heritage Racing Cars.
2007
4th Le Mans Series Championship LMP2 category with Saulnier Racing (2nd at
Valencia 1000 km race).
First experience at Le Mans 24 Hours race (did not finish, engine failure after 18 hours)
2006
1st in V de V Historic and Endurance Challenge, Prototype category, with Chevron B16.
2nd in V de V Historic and Modern Super Challenge, with Ligier JS 49 and Chevron B16
(1victory, 1podium).
Le Mans Classic with Lola T298 and Chevron B21.
1st in class at Dijon TGP F1 race with BRM P 201.
2005
3rd in V de V Historic and Endurance Challenge, Prototype category
with Chevron B16.
1st in V de V Historic and Modern Super Challenge with Ligier JS 49
and Chevron B16 (1 victory, 3 podiums).
2004
V de V Historic series with Costin Nathan (2 podiums).
2003
V de V Historic Series with Costin Nathan.
1st at Le Mans Story with Chevron B21.
F3 Classic Championship with Ralt RT 3.
2002
V de V Historic Series (3 podiums) and F3 Classic Championship.
2001
V de V Historic Series.
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
LES PILOTES
PESCAROLO-MAZDA LMP2 N°35
CARREER HIGHLIGHTS MATTHIEU LAHAYE
Born 23 November 1984
Nationality: French
Residency: Rennes
90 races, 11 wins, 32 podiums
2009
3rd in LMP2 at the Nürburgring and Spa 1000kms in Le Mans Series with OAK Racing.
2008
3rd in LMP2 at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Saulnier Racing.
5th in LMP2 at the Le Mans Series with Saulnier Racing (2nd at the Nürburgring) .
2007
5th in Eurocup Megane Trophy (1 victory, 3 podiums).
3rd Spa 24 Hours race (GT3 with Porsche Cup).
2006
Eurocup Megane Trophy Vice champion - Junior Champion
(3 victories, 5 podiums).
2005
9th in Eurocup Megane Trophy - Junior Champion
(2 podiums)
2004
5th in the World Series by Nissan light.
(1 victory and 3 podiums).
2003
8th in the Formula Renault 2.0 French Championship.
2002
Formula France Vice champion and 3rd in the Eurocup Formula France
(6 victories).
2001
8th in the Formula France Championship.
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
THE CARS
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE # 24 AND 35 LMP2 CARS
PESCAROLO CHASSIS:
Chassis:
Bodywork:
Suspension:
Wheels:
Brakes:
Tyres:
Steering:
Dimensions:
Width:
Wheelbase:
Base weight:
Fuel tank:
PESCAROLO 01
carbon fibre
double wishbones, pushrods and combined horizontal
Ohlins spring dampers: jantes BBS 18’’
BBS 18’’ rims
Brembo calipers, Brembo disks and pads, 15’’ front and rear
DUNLOP
KAYABA electrical power steering
length: 4 545 mm
2 000 mm
2 800 mm
825 kg
80 litres
MAZDA ENGINE:
Manufacturer:
Capacity:
Turbo:
Weight:
Dimensions:
Height:
Width:
Maximum output:
Maximum torque:
Engine management:
MAZDA MZR-R
1998 cm3
GARRETT
76 kg when dry
length: 497 mm
480 mm
350 mm
around 500 bhp between 6,250 rpm and 7,750 rpm
around 580 Nm with 39,9 mm restrictor
Life Racing
X-TRACK TRANSMISSION:
Gearbox:
X-Track 6-speed sequential, Megaline
semi automated control on the steering wheel
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
PARTNERS
MAZDA France Automobiles
www.mazda.fr
MAZDA
www.mazda.com
DUNLOP
www.dunlop-tires.com
PESCAROLO SPORT
www.pescarolo.com
AER
www.aerltd.com
CGMP
First French manufacturer of disposable
napkins and serviettes.
www.cgmp.fr
ESG
Industrial and urban waste disposal and
management
www.esg91.com
EUROVOIRIE
Manufacturing and distribution
of equipment for roads
www.eurovoirie.fr
EXPOGRAPH
Indoor and outdoor signage and events
signage
www.expograph.com
FLOW
Fuel products and automotive oils
GESTEN
Heating and air conditioning company
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009
Groupe IDEC
Investors, developers and builders in
real estate projects
www.groupeidec.com
IEMS
Institut Européen de formation aux
Mécaniques Sportives
www.iems.fr
Transports LAHAYE
International road hauliers
www.lahaye-sa.fr
ROS ROCA Group
Manufacturing of capital goods
and design and development of
engineering systems and processes
with environmental applications
www.rosroca.com
SCAPA
Technical tapes and adhesive
films manufacturer
www.scapa.com
SEYFERT PACKAGING
World leader in corrugated manufacturing board and distribution.
www.seyfert.de
SOGEP
Builders
STAND 21
Equipements pour pilotes
de courses
www.stand21.fr
Cafés TROTTET
Importation et production de cafés
de tradition
www.trottet.com
VEGA YACHTS
Design, ingénierie, construction et
commercialisation
de super yachts
www.vegayachts.com
OAK RACING TEAM MAZDA FRANCE,
CONTACT
OAK Racing Press
Sylvie Nicolet
00 33 (0) 607 286 588
s.nicolet@oak-racing.com
sylvie.nicolet@gmail.com
Mazda France Press
Manuel Bortone
Public Relations Director
00 33 (0) 161 016 595
manuel.bortone@mazda.fr
Please visit our new OAK Racing website www.oak-racing.com and download the press
kit, the last press release and the special press HD photos by Clément Marin.
www.oak-racing.com - © Oak Racing 2009