Zoom A new approach in the LMP2 class

Sunday the 1st June 2008, the official Test Day for this year's Le Mans 24 Hour race, will see the first-ever appearance of a closed LMP2 prototype in Le Mans history: the Speedy Racing Team Sebah Lola B08/80 Coupe-Judd-Michelin. Even though they are entering a new car, the team are approaching the 2008 edition of Le Mans 24 Hours with high expectations.

The team's Lola B08/80 Coupe raced for the first time only two months ago at the 1000 km of Catalunya, achieving a podium position in its debut race. The subsequent rounds of the 2008 Le Mans Series at Monza and Spa have provided invaluable preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hours, but Speedy Racing Team Sebah is still at an early stage in the learning and development of the car.

The official Test Day will give the team its only opportunity prior to official qualifying to run the Lola Coupe on the famous Le Mans track that is made up of a dedicated racing circuit and public roads.

Team Manager Bart Hayden spoke of the team's preparations: "We have shown in the three first rounds of the Le Mans Series that we have a competitive package with the Lola coupe chassis, the Judd engine and Michelin tyres. I'm very pleased with the performance of our drivers; they've worked well together, they're quick and consistent, with a professional attitude in every situation. As a team, we have worked hard since the last races at Monza and Spa. We hope that those efforts will put us in a strong position to challenge for the win at Le Mans."

Traditionally the fastest times are set in the closing hours of the Test Day. Cooler temperatures, more tyre rubber and a cleaner track are all elements to fast times being set in the final hours of the day.

"Setting a fast lap during the official Test Day will not be our priority, even if it is good for publicity! We will be focussing on our main objective, which is to find a good set-up for the car to prepare ourselves for the race ahead," Bart Hayden added.

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