The appearance of Rebellion Racing's new Toyota-engined R-One LMP1 prototype is eagerly awaited but, due to delays in production, the Swiss team was present at The Prologue at Circuit Paul Ricard with its two Lola B12/60 Toyotas.
The team is working flat out to prepare the new R-Ones, which will run as LMP1-L as opposed to the hybrid-powered LMP1-H entries from the factory teams of Audi, Porsche and Toyota. The No.12 will be in the hands of FIA WEC regulars Nicolas Prost, Nick Heidfeld and Mathias Beche, while the No.13 will be crewed by Rebellion stalwart Andrea Belicchi and former Lotus LMP2 driver Dominik Kraihamer. The Italian-Austrian duo will be joined by newly signed Swiss driver, Fabio Leimer, the GP2 Champion having enjoyed a successful test with the team in France.
In the event that the use of the 2013 Lolas is required again in 2014, Rebellion Racing submitted a request to the Endurance Committee that the cars be allowed to compete under “grandfathered” regulations. They would run with a 44.4mm air restrictor, conform to a minimum 890kg weight, and have a fuel tank capacity of 83 litres.
Fabio Leimer: "I'm really happy to be part of the REBELLION Racing team. As a Swiss driver, I'm proud to be involved in a Swiss team. I can't wait to race in the FIA WEC and Le Mans 24 Hours. I'm open to learn everything that will help me to be at my best in endurance racing. The whole test at the WEC Prologue in Le Castellet was really positive. We improved a lot, I drove plenty of laps and I began to find my driving style with the car. I have more confidence and I can push much more. But I know that there is a lot of work to do before delivering my best driving in these cars. I'll be able to say much more after the first race."
Bart Hayden, Team Manager: "We had a number of options for high profile drivers to join our team for this season but as a Swiss team, we try to give Swiss drivers opportunities to develop their careers. Fabio Leimer was looking for a new challenge and he has shown that he is quick in single seaters. We wanted to test him with the Lola-Toyota LMP1 to evaluate his ability in driving a prototype.
"The test was very positive on the driving side and the feedback with the engineers, so I’m happy to say that we have agreed a contract for the season. He is highly motivated, enthusiastic and very happy to be part of REBELLION Racing. We are pleased to welcome Fabio to the team and are looking forward to the start of the season in a few weeks with the 6 hours of Silverstone, the opening round of the 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship.”
Fiona Miller
Quotes from Rebellion Racing
Photo: CIRCUIT PAUL RICARD (LE CASTELLET, FRANCE), THE PROLOGUE, SATURDAY 29 MARCH 2014. 1) Fabio Leimer has signed with Rebellion Racing for 2014; 2) The Rebellion Lola Toyota at The Prologue.
