2011 Oreca FLM09

The Oreca FLM09 is a spec sports prototype car built to compete in the LeMans Prototype Challenge which had been created by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. The series was designed as a way for young and upcoming drivers to gain experience and to prove themselves before entering the world of endurance racing. As with most spec racing series, it was meant to level the playing field and the keep costs at a minimum.

The series began in 2009 and was initially known as the Formula LeMans Cup. In the United States, the American LeMans Series used the title LeMans Prototype Challenge, while the LeMans Series used the name Formula LeMans until 2011. In 2012, it became known as the LeMans Prototype Challenge.

The Oreca built cars were based on Courage's LC75 LMP2 chassis. They featured carbon fiber and Kevlar bodywork and were powered by a production-based General Motors small block LS3 V8 engine offering around 430 horsepower. The transmissions were supplied by Xtrac. Michelin slick tires were used until 2012.

Most of the ten races were an hour long and included a mandatory pit stop which allowed teams to change drivers. The season finale was held at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours and was a three hour race.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2018