Oak Racing, whose #15 LMP1 Oak-Pescarolo has used Judd power for the FIA/ACO World Endurance Championship season so far, will be switching to an HPD (Honda Performance Development) motor for the final two rounds in Japan and China. Oak is sitting out the Silverstone round this Sunday.
The Judd engine, produced with great haste as a P1 power plant for the 2012 season was found to vibrate excessively, causing reliability issues. The HPD unit has performed well in the American Le mans Series-leading Muscle Milk/Pickett Racing HPD-ARX-03a, and also in the JRM and Straka ARX-03as in the WEC.
Team president Jacques Nicolet announced the engine change at a press conference at the Silverstone track Friday. At the same press conference Nicolet also announced that Onroak, the construction division of Oak Racing would design and build a new P1 chassis according to 2014 specifications. Oak had previously stated that they did not plan to build a P1 chassis for the new regulations.
“We are very keen to continue in the premier prototype class, which is why we intend to build an all-new LMP1 car in 2014 in accordance with the fresh regulations and in partnership with a constructor,” Nicolet said, according to the team press release. “I can therefore confirm that our design office is now working on the conception of our 2014 LMP1.
“In order to race at the top level of LMP1, we have looked for the best way to be competitive during this period of transition until 2014. So I am delighted to announce this agreement with HPD that commences at this year’s final two WEC rounds.
“We are very grateful that HPD are able to provide us with their powerful LMP1 engine right in the middle of their season and in spite of their various commitments in different championships, particularly IndyCar. We are very honored that they have made this effort on our behalf.”
Nicolet said Oak hoped to use HPD power in 2013 as well.
“2012 will be the first step of a collaboration we would like to initiate between OAK and HPD,” he explained. “We will do our best to confirm the option we have to run either one or two cars in 2013.
“The combination of OAK chassis, HPD engine and our trusted tire partner Dunlop gives me great confidence in this new LMP1 package.”
Even with the new engine, Oak will be racing for privateer honors in P1, against Rebellion, JRM, and Straka. Even with Honda power, the team cannot hope to match the performance provided by the enormous development budgets of the Audi or Toyota factory entries.
