Premier1 signs Reynard chassis deal

Premier1 GP gained FIA approval at the recent World Motor Sports Council meeting and has now inked a deal with Brackley-based Reynard to supply 50 identical slicks and wings chassis. That means Italian constructor Dallara, which had been named as the series' car builder, has lost the contract, as predicted in AUTOSPORT magazine (October 4).

"It is an exciting opportunity for us to demonstrate our expertise in the design and build of technologically advanced single-seater race cars," said Reynard's Robert Synge. "This championship will be a unique platform for Reynard and with our strong pedigree the company is ideally placed to produce a car which exceeds all of Premier1's expectations."

The chassis will not feature launch or traction control, or other driver aids such as ABS braking systems.

"The end result will have performance close to a Formula 1 car, but will run on slick tyres and have the advantage of ground effect aerodynamics," said P1GP's operations director Robin Webb. "The cars will have the latest electronic gear shift technology and will comply with the stringent FIA safety regulations."

Premier1 GP has yet to decide on a supplier for its 750bhp, four-litre V10 engines, although British manufacturer Judd is the favourite for the deal.

Series organisers expect 24 cars to be on the grid for the series opener, currently planned for Estoril in Portugal next July. Testing of the new cars will begin in April.