Nissan has announced that it will delay its return to the LM P1 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, following technical issues experienced during the Le Mans 24 Hours.
[Not a valid template]Issues with the energy recovery system (ERS) during the race meant that Nissan had to run on engine power alone.
The bespoke Nissan V6 3.0-litre twin turbo petrol engine and the unique aerodynamics of the GT-R LM Nismo proved to be the main strengths of the car at Le Mans but without a fully working ERS, many of the car’s other systems were compromised.
President of Nismo Shoichi Miyatani said: “We know people will be disappointed but be assured that nobody is more disappointed than us. We are racers and we want to compete but we also want to be competitive. That is why we have chosen to continue our test programme and prepare the GT-R LM Nismo for the strong competition we face in the World Endurance Championship. When you innovate you don’t give up at the first hurdle. We are committed to overcoming this challenge.”
Nissan will continue the test programme for the GT-R LM Nismo, predominantly but not exclusively, in the United States. Media updates will be issued as the car’s development continues. A decision on the date for Nissan’s return to the World Endurance Championship will be made in due course, depending on the progress of the test programme.
This news only affects Nissan’s LM P1 programme.
– Shots courtesy of Eric Fabre
