2007 Lola B07

In 2005 Lola introduced their B05/40 chassis aimed at LMP2 competition. It was a necessary addition to the line of Lola chassis, as changes to regulations at the close of the 2005 season made their prototype racers obsolete. The body design of the B05/40 was formed to comply with aerodynamic restrictions created by the governing bodies of the sport. It had a short rear end and a front that featured a rather long overhang, much different than other prior designs. These improvements make the vehicle less like to flip while at speed.
Lola has a long history of racing and creating competitive chassis, that dates back to the late 1950s when it was founded by Eric Broadley. The cars they have created have competed in nearly every form of road racing and have set numerous records and captured countless victories since its inception.
The B05/40 was designed to accept a few different powerplants. After the cars official launch, the company was able to secure six orders. Their customers were rewarded by scoring multiple class victories throughout the season, including an impressive showing at LeMans by a Judd engined car.
Rule changes at the close of the 2005 season meant their LMP1 class car, the Lola B01/6, was soon to become obsolete. Using the design of the B05/40 as their template, they began work on constructing the B06/10 to replace the aging B01/60. The cars were outfitted with large, powerful, and new 3.6-liter V8 engines with fuel injection and twin turbo‘s. To handle the power and weight of the equipment, the car strengthened improved and structural rigidity appropriately reinforced.
The Dyson Racing Team entered two cars in the Sebring 12 Hour Race in the ALMS Championship. Both cars experienced teething problems and, along with the rest of the field, were easily outpaced by the dominant diesel-powered Audi R10's. Of the two B01/60 cars entered, one failed to finish and the other finished second in class. Throughout the season, the potent Audi's and competitive Porsche LMP2's proved to be to fast for the AER powered Lolas. As the season progressed, rule changes were relaxed for the petrol based cars to help give them a slight advantage but were still unable to outpace the Audis.
A third car was used by Chamberlain Synergy in the LeMans Series. It too was outpaced by the Audi, but was a strong runner throughout the season, ending in a very impressive second place.
For the 2007 season, Lola introduced their B07/10. It had slight design and aerodynamic improvements over the prior B01/60. Acura and Mazda placed orders for their LMP1 efforts, as did Team Swiss Spirit and Team Charouz Racing System. The Acura and Mazda cars were outfitted with V8 petrol engines from Audi while the other two teams used Judd's 5.5-liter V10 unit. The Judd GV5.5 powerplant was capable of producing around 640 horsepower with the Audi unit creating about 610 hp. Both versions have proven to be strong competitors.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2007

Serge Saulnier

started his racing car driver carreer in 1974, on a formula Renault then raced brilliantly on a Formula 3.This talented pilot created his team in 1980:Promatecme. The team made it's way to fomula 3, becoming a leader in the discipline in France and latter in Great Britain. During 20 years Serge Saulnier has lead to success many pilotes such as Franck Lagorce, Enrique Bernoldy and of course Jenson Button in 1999.

In 2000 Promatecme became Saulnier Racing. The team raced in the World Series by Nissan and World Series Renault between 2003 et 2005.

In 2006 the team changed its course putting an end to single seater formula and entering the highest endurance catergory: the Le Mans Series and the famous 24 hours race at Le Mans in the category LMP1.

Source - Saulnier Racing

JN Investissements take over Saulnier Racing
Saulnier Racing has confirmed that it has been purchased by JN Investissements ahead of the start of the 2007 season. The team, which ran a Courage-Judd in the Le Mans Series in 2006 under the Swiss Spirit banner and also has a rich heritage in single-seater racing, is set to open a new chapter in its history in a move marking the end of the Serge Saulnier era.

Former team boss and founder Saulnier said: ?I feel as if part of me is being lost today, but my new position and responsibilities as team manager of Peugeot Sport were incompatible with my role at Saulnier Racing. The team that I created nearly 25 years ago now boasts one of the finest pedigree in Europe and the expertise they have is renowned throughout the industry. I believe these factors are what attracted JN Investissements to Saulnier Racing. I also believe that JN Investissements, who are already involved in other motor racing programmes, are the best possible company to take over and guarantee the development of the team.?

Jacques Nicolet, CEO of JN Investissements, continued: ?We were looking for a top team to compete in the Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24 Hours and it quickly became evident that Saulnier Racing fitted the bill perfectly. The success of the team in the different championships it has entered, Formula 3, World Series and also the 2006 Le Mans Series under the Swiss Spirit banner, convinced us to take this opportunity. The stability and quality of everyone involved with the team gives us reason to believe that we will continue to build on that success over the coming season.?

The buy out means Saulnier Racing can now confirm an ambitious sporting programme for 2007. The team will race in the LMP2 class of the Le Mans Series and also hope to receive an invitation to compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The team will unveil its technical package and driver line-up in February.

Source - Saulnier Racing