Creation to use Judd power.

Creation Autosportif will use Judd power in their DBA4-03S prototype sportscar in 2005.

A deal has just been completed whereby Engine Developments will be providing the Bicester-based team with their XV V8 engines plus trackside engineering support.

Creation will be targeting success in the Le Mans Endurance Series and - subject to an entry being granted - the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This new engine deal is a key part of a package of developments that the team is implementing for the 2005 season.

Ian Bickerton, joint team principal, explains why the team has changed from the Zytek engine that was used in 2004.

"It was a difficult decision to make," he said. "Zytek have been a very good partner. They worked closely with us to develop the car over the last year and were integral to our successes last year. Good people and good engines.

"For 2005, Judd were able to offer us a tightly focussed, very sportscar-orientated deal. They have vast endurance racing experience from working with Rafanelli, Doran, DAMS and Oreca to name but a few, and have won some big races including the Daytona 24 Hours. We have high hopes for what we can achieve together."

John Judd echoed the feeling of expectation and delight at the prospect of working together.

"This is a significant opportunity for us and we are very excited about working with Creation. Their results over the last year showed what a competitive, young team they are and we were very keen to take up the chance to take things onto the next stage with them."

The XV V8 comes from the same family as the V10 engine that has been successful over the last few years (top six finishes at Le Mans for the last 3 years). The XV V8 was new for 2004 and was run in Europe and North America at selected events.

Creation's engineers are currently working on the installation of engine in the DBA chassis with KW Motorsport (who were involved with the original design of the car at Reynard). The team is expecting to carry out its first test in early February.