Chamberlain/Synergy gets hands on new Lola.

Another new Lola was shaken down at Snetterton last week, as the Chamberlain/Synergy team began its preparations for the forthcoming Le Mans Endurance Series opener at Spa-Francorchamps.

The B05/40 LMP2 'junior' prototype was put through its paces by experienced sportscar racers Bob Berridge and Peter Owen, who will be joined in both the LMES and at the Le Mans 24 Hours by the car's co-owner Gareth Evans. The test was overseen by sportscar regular Hugh Chamberlain, who has spearheaded Le Mans operations since the early 1980s, including running the Lola-MG LMP675 cars in 2001 and 2002.

"It ran so well," an impressed Berridge reported at the end of a largely reliable test, "I did about 60 laps and, even in traffic, I was down to a 63-second lap. We were just playing with it, but the AER engine is very powerful, and the car has got loads and loads of grip."

Five B05/40 chassis have already been sold to customers, with more of the distinctive cars set to be built during the year. Two examples will be in action at the Sebring 12 Hours this weekend, with Intersport Racing and Bill Binnie Motorsport already committed to the burgeoning LMP2 category.