LMP1 KERS homologated for Le Mans                                                        22nd May 2011

The Hope Racing LMP1 car has been successfully homologated for the Le Mans 24 hour race and will become the first ever hybrid car to take part in the endurance classic that starts on the 11th June 2011.

On Friday 20th May the Hope Racing car fitted with a Flybrid CFT KERS became the first car ever to pass the required 'pit lane test' when it drove the length of the Le Mans pit lane (400 Metres) under flywheel power alone, at an average speed of just over 60 kmh, in front of representatives from the governing body the ACO. The ACO then watched on as the KERS was removed from the car and the key components were weighed. The homologated weight was recorded at 34.5 kg dry for the complete 100 kW hybrid system (Flybrid quote a wet weight of 37.9 kg). The 60,000 RPM energy storage flywheel was recorded at just 5.15 kg.

Both Flybrid and Hope Racing were delighted to pass the test after a hard few weeks of testing at Le Castellet, Magny Cours and Lurcy Levis. There are now less than 3 weeks until the race and Flybrid will be preparing two complete systems with all the latest modifications in time to ship to the La Sarthe circuit.

If you are planning to visit Le Mans please look out for us and give our drivers a cheer!