CEFC TRSM Racing withdraws LMP1 entries from WEC opener

The Manor Racing-run CEFC TRSM Racing has been forced to withdraw both its Ginetta LMP1 entries from the opening round of the World Endurance Championship at Spa due to funding issues.

The team was due to field two Ginetta G60-LT-P1’s under the Manor CEFC TRSM Racing banner at this weekend’s season-opening 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, but did not receive payment from Chinese firm TRS in time to participate in this weekend’s event.

Both Manor LMP1 entries had completed a combined total of just six outlaps across the three practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps and did not contest qualifying.

“It is with great disappointment that we have to announce that Ginetta will not be releasing the two LMP1 cars that successfully ran at the FIA WEC Prologue at Paul Ricard earlier this month,” a Ginetta statement read. 

“Unfortunately, funds promised have not arrived from TRS (China) to CEFC TRSM Racing (UK). The required funds for Ginetta were due some time ago and whilst we understand that TRS (China) has been working with its sponsors to sort the issues, without payment, Ginetta cannot allow the cars to race.  Ginetta remains committed to working with CEFC TRSM Racing (UK) on this programme.

“We are aware that CEFC TRSM Racing has visited TRS many times in China and can also confirm that TRS have visited Ginetta three times recently, the last time to attend a Royal visit.”

The statement concluded that Ginetta had been informed by TRS that the current situation was a “short-term” issue that would be rectified in time for June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomlinson added: “We’ve got to a situation where a UK based team with excellent ability, kit and personnel, plus a pair of the latest LMP1 cars with confirmed and fully paid up entries for the 2018/19 FIA WEC (including two entries at Le Mans in both 2018 & 2019) are unable to race simply due to funds not flowing.”