ORECA entires look to shine at 6 Hours of Zhuhai

The team Signatech-Nissan ORECA 03 targets victory !

#26 Signatech Nissan Oreca 03 Nissan: Franck Mailleux, Lucas Ordonez, Soheil Ayari

Photo by: Daniel James Smith

The ORECA 03 is about to finish its first trip around the world. After stints in North America and Europe, the car will be making its first appearance in Asia during the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup finale. Crowned « Teams » champion at Petit Le Mans, the Signatech-Nissan team will be hoping to finish out its good season on a high note. With the LMP2 entered ORECA 03, the Bourges-based team will be aiming for victory at the 6 Hours of Zhuhai. As in Silverstone and Road Atlanta, the trio of Mailleux/Ordoñez/Vernay will be on task in China. An Une ORECA-FLM 09 will also be entered by a local team, PTRS Racing, driven by Zhang Shan Qi et Wei Liang Chen.

Jean-Karl Vernay : « Finish this good season with a win !»

Assured of the title, it’s with a liberated sense of spirit that the men led by Philippe Sinault and Didier Calmels come into this final meeting of the year. Consistently at the front of the pack since the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Signatech- Nissan ORECA 03 has had some convincing performances, with multiple podiums and zero retirements. Although Franck Mailleux and Lucas Ordoñez began their seasons with the team with the Florida classique, Jean-Karl Vernay participated in his first race at the 6 Hours of Silverstone. The frenchman wasted no time finding the right pace, with his front row qualifying performance at Petit Le Mans confirming it : « I arrived in the team in the middle of the season and I had to get myself into the swing of things quickly, » explains Jean-Karl. « Luckily, I already knew the team well because I drove for Signature in Formula 3. Everyone had confidence in me and the fast times were quick to come. The spirit within the team is very good, which allows you to work without worry. »

At Road Atlanta, « JK » was often among the fastest : « I especially like the American style races, where the tracks are unforgiving. Everything went well and I’m thrilled that we were able to bring home the title. The ORECA-Nissan package is very good and the car is really pleasant to drive. The performance has been there since the start of the season : the ORECA 03 has been competitive at all of the races. » At Zhuhai, the goal will be to finish with an excellent result : « Signatech-Nissan has the title in their pocket, so we arrive in China with less pressure. We will do everything we can to finish this good season with a win. My goal will once again be to enjoy myself on track as much as possible while gaining experience. »

An ORECA FLM 09 in the Chinese arena…

On September 19 an ORECA-FLM 09 was on exhibition at the Chinese circuit during the Pan Delta Super Racing Festival. Several drivers were able to take advantage of this opportunity and test the Formula Le Mans. PTRS will be entering one during the 6 Hours of Zhuhai, with Wei Liang Chen, the Team Manager, and Zhang Shan Qi sharing the wheel. The Chinese driver began racing only three years ago in Formule Renault Asia. Before driving for the PTRS Racing team, he had defended the colors of Hope Racing, with a third place in Imola.

Practice for the 6 Hours of Zhuhai begins Friday, November 11, at 10 :30 am local time (3 :30 am French time). Qualifying will be held November 12, with the start given Sunday, November 13 at 11 :00 am (4 :00 am in France).