RML goes turbo for LMS, 24 Hours.
The RML team has revealed that its MG Lola EX264 will compete with an AER two-litre turbo powerplant in this year's Le Mans Series (formerly Le Mans Endurance Series), despite its previous choice, the normally-aspirated 3400cc Judd-based unit which carried it to class wins at Le Mans and Istanbul, having been successful.
The chassis is currently being modified by RML to accept the new engine, which will then undergo shakedown tests in early March prior to taking part in the Paul Ricard LMS group test. The combination's race debut is scheduled for Istanbul on 9 April.
The RML team has revealed that its MG Lola EX264 will compete with an AER two-litre turbo powerplant in this year's Le Mans Series (formerly Le Mans Endurance Series), despite its previous choice, the normally-aspirated 3400cc Judd-based unit which carried it to class wins at Le Mans and Istanbul, having been successful.
The chassis is currently being modified by RML to accept the new engine, which will then undergo shakedown tests in early March prior to taking part in the Paul Ricard LMS group test. The combination's race debut is scheduled for Istanbul on 9 April.
"We have been delighted with the reliability and service we have received from Judd during last season, but we ran with AER engines in the EX257 during late 2003 and 2004 and, as I still own that chassis and hope to race it in the UK, it made sense to us to work with AER again," owner/driver Mike Newton explained, "Whilst it is difficult to contrast the relative performance, our experience with the turbo engine showed us that it is more economical, and the cars which used it last season confirmed that fact."
Newton will again team up with Tommy Erdos for the Le Mans Series, with a third driver yet to be confirmed for the Le Mans 24 Hours. The car will again be entered as an MG-Lola EX264, with the engine manufacturer designated as AER, and will run in the now striking red, white and blue livery of Newton's AD Group.
