RML
AD Group HPD powered for 2010
RML
and AD Group are pleased to announce the signing
of a new partnership with Honda Performance Development,
Inc (HPD), for the supply of engines for the team's
LMP sports prototype programme in 2010. The agreement
will see the team's Lola B08/80 powered by the
HPD LM-V8 engine, making this the first Lola coupé
to benefit from the proven normally-aspirated
3.4 litre unit.
Following the company's founding in 1993, HPD
was responsible for the development of Honda's
Champ Car and IRL racecars in the United States,
as well as the more recent championship-winning
Acura ARX sports prototypes competing in the American
Le Mans Series. Since its introduction the HPD
LM-V8 has recorded 15 wins, 13 pole positions,
and 12 track records in the American Le Mans Series.
The HPD LM-V8 engine’s exceptional record
for reliability began with a class win at its
inaugural race at Sebring 2007, and continued
through to 2009, when Fernandez Racing used it
to equal the ALMS series record for wins in a
season and took the 2009 ALMS LMP2 manufacturer
title as a result.
“HPD are pleased to have been selected as
RML’s engine supplier for 2010,” said
Stephen Eriksen, Technical Director of Honda Performance
Development. “RML is a veteran team with
a proven track record of success and we look forward
to our LM-V8 engine continuing to set records
for performance and reliability. We have many
hours of durability testing already under our
belts and still more to go before the season starts,
however all indications point to us being in a
very good position to succeed in the European
arena.”
"We are delighted to be working with a new
engine manufacturer in Honda Performance Development,"
said Ray Mallock, Founder and Chief Executive
of Ray Mallock Limited (RML). "RML's greatest
achievements have come as the result of working
closely with some of the world's leading engine
manufacturers. This is our first opportunity to
develop a relationship with HPD; a company with
a tremendous track record for designing superbly
engineered, powerful and reliable race engines.
Even in the very short period that we've been
working together it has already become obvious
that HPD understands exactly what it takes to
win at the highest level, and that gives us cause
to look towards the coming season with considerable
optimism and confidence."
Mike Newton, CEO of AD Group, the team's major
sponsor, and also co-driver of the Lola HPD, shares
that belief. "We are anticipating what should
be a very competitive engine programme,"
he said. "All the signs suggest that the
HPD LM-V8 will be a highly reliable unit, and
should allow us to move forward from the difficult
times we've experienced during the last two seasons.
The team has always been capable of running near
the front of the LMP2 class, and given a reliable
package we know we can deliver regular podium
finishes as well as championship results. The
importance of reliability cannot be over-emphasised."
 Thomas
Erdos has been co-driving with Mike since 2003
and has been involved in all the team's major
successes, including successive class wins at
Le Mans and the Le Mans Series LMP2 team and drivers
titles in 2007. "It's great to be working
with a major manufacturer again, and I just can't
wait to get started!" was his first reaction.
"There are still unknowns with the HPD engine,
of course - how it will perform in Europe, on
European circuits, over the longer distances,
and with European fuel - but it's a proven, reliable
and powerful unit, and it has tremendous potential
for further development. It has a very impressive
record in the American Le Mans Series, and I just
hope we can extend that record over here."
The team retains the same Lola B08/80 chassis
that secured second in LMP2 at Silverstone in
the final Le Mans Series race of 2009. The swift
installation of the LM-V8 has been made possible
with the support and co-operation of Lola Cars
of Huntingdon and HPD Inc, and will result in
a shakedown test within the next fortnight.
Further
information please contact:
RML: Rupert
Manwaring, Sponsorship & Marketing Director
Telephone: +44 (0)1933 402440
AD Group: Pauline
Norstrom, Director of Worldwide Marketing.
Telephone: +44 (0)1928 706 449
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