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RML
AD Group HPD powered in 2010
RML and AD Group are
pleased to announce the signing of a new partnership with Honda
Performance Development, Inc (HPD), for the supply of engines for the
team's LMP sports prototype programme in 2010. The agreement will see
the team's Lola B08/80 powered by the HPD LM-V8 engine, making this the
first Lola coupé to benefit from the proven normally-aspirated 3.4 litre
unit.
Following the company's founding in 1993, HPD was responsible for the
development of Honda's Champ Car and IRL racecars in the United States,
as well as the more recent championship-winning Acura ARX sports
prototypes competing in the American Le Mans Series. Since its
introduction the HPD LM-V8 has recorded 15 wins, 13 pole positions, and
12 track records in the American Le Mans Series. The HPD LM-V8 engine’s
exceptional record for reliability began with a class win at its
inaugural race at Sebring 2007, and continued through to 2009, when
Fernandez Racing used it to equal the ALMS series record for wins in a
season and took the 2009 ALMS LMP2 manufacturer title as a result.
“HPD are pleased to have been selected as RML’s engine supplier for
2010,” said Stephen Eriksen, Technical Director of Honda Performance
Development. “RML is a veteran team with a proven track record of
success and we look forward to our LM-V8 engine continuing to set
records for performance and reliability. We have many hours of
durability testing already under our belts and still more to go before
the season starts, however all indications point to us being in a very
good position to succeed in the European arena.”
"We are delighted to be working with a new engine manufacturer in Honda
Performance Development," said Ray Mallock, Founder and Chief Executive
of Ray Mallock Limited (RML). "RML's greatest achievements have come as
the result of working closely with some of the world's leading engine
manufacturers. This is our first opportunity to develop a relationship
with HPD; a company with a tremendous track record for designing
superbly engineered, powerful and reliable race engines. Even in the
very short period that we've been working together it has already become
obvious that HPD understands exactly what it takes to win at the highest
level, and that gives us cause to look towards the coming season with
considerable optimism and confidence."
Mike Newton, CEO of AD Group, the team's major sponsor, and also
co-driver of the Lola HPD, shares that belief. "We are anticipating what
should be a very competitive engine programme," he said. "All the signs
suggest that the HPD LM-V8 will be a highly reliable unit, and should
allow us to move forward from the difficult times we've experienced
during the last two seasons. The team has always been capable of running
near the front of the LMP2 class, and given a reliable package we know
we can deliver regular podium finishes as well as championship results.
The importance of reliability cannot be over-emphasised."
Thomas Erdos has been co-driving with Mike since 2003 and has been
involved in all the team's major successes, including successive class
wins at Le Mans and the Le Mans Series LMP2 team and drivers titles in
2007. "It's great to be working with a major manufacturer again, and I
just can't wait to get started!" was his first reaction. "There are
still unknowns with the HPD engine, of course - how it will perform in
Europe, on European circuits, over the longer distances, and with
European fuel - but it's a proven, reliable and powerful unit, and it
has tremendous potential for further development. It has a very
impressive record in the American Le Mans Series, and I just hope we can
extend that record over here."
The team retains the same Lola B08/80 chassis that secured second in
LMP2 at Silverstone in the final Le Mans Series race of 2009. The swift
installation of the LM-V8 has been made possible with the support and
co-operation of Lola Cars of Huntingdon and HPD Inc, and will result in
a shakedown test within the next fortnight.
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