Nissan have finally confirmed their participation, as an engine supplier in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the French Signature Racing team.
Racing under the ‘Signatech Nissan’ name, the new partnership will run a new ORECA 03 Chassis with a NISMO developed, Zytek Manufactured VK45 V8 powerplant.
They will make their debut Round One of the ILMC and American Le Mans Series at the 12hrs of Sebring in March. The ILMC is a new series of existing endurance races from the European Le Mans Series, Le Mans and the ALMS to form a worldwide Endurance Cup.
Yesterday, the team was also awarded a place on the 24 Hours of Le Mans entry list. Formula 3 racer, Frankc Mailleux has been confirmed as one driver, with ex F1 driver, Tiago Monterio listed for an Additional Le Mans entry. A third ORECA Nissan under the ‘Team ORECA Matmut’ banner is also entered for Le Mans.
Nissan last competed at Le Mans in the prototype category in 1990 with the Nissan R90CK, reaching an incredible 226.9mph on the Mulsanne Straight. You can view an great video of Mark Blundell during qualifying here.
Eagle eyed readers will have noticed Nissan branding suddenly appear from the Hospitality boxes on the finish straight at the end of 2010 Le Mans, which gave an indication of Le Mans Interest.
- Andy Blackmore