RML switches to HPD chassis

Ray Mallock's squad took Tommy Erdos and Mike Newton to this year's class championship in a Lola coupe powered by the HPD engine, but has now decided to go with the full HPD package - as used by Highcroft to win the 2010 American Le Mans Series, and by RML's main LMS LMP2 rival Strakka last year.

Team manager Phil Barker admitted that ending RML's eight-year association with Lola had not been done lightly.

"This has been an enormously difficult decision for us," he said.

"We have had an excellent relationship with Lola for many years and we are enormously saddened to be leaving such good friends. However, we will also be renewing our relationship with HPD after a very successful first season with them as engine suppliers in 2010."

Erdos added that the pace of the Strakka HPD in 2010 had convinced RML that a chassis change was necessary.

"Last year we recognised that, although we had a very strong combination with the Lola-HPD, the speed simply was not there to match the HPD chassis," he said.

"We now have that package, so it should make for a more level playing field. That said, it will be sad not to be driving a Lola. We have collected some impressive silverware with Lola and I will be sorry to end that relationship."

Collins will now complete a full season with RML alongside Newton and Erdos, having originally joined for the final three rounds last year.

"Racing in the Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours with RML, and in the stunning HPD ARX, will be a defining moment in my career," he said. "We saw how good the HPD was last season in the hands of our competitors, and it was a credit to RML that we beat them to the title."