Rebellion decides against hybrid system for new ORECA Le Mans car

The Anglo-Swiss team had left the door open to running an energy-retrieval system on the announcement of its ORECA-designed and built coupe in June, but it has now confirmed that the R-One chassis will exploit the rule that allows privateers to run non-hybrid machinery.

Rebellion team manager Bart Hayden said: "The decision has been taken that we will run as a non-hybrid.

"We believe that that column in the LMP1 regulations is the best one for us to operate in from a cost point of view."

The 2014 energy-based P1 regulations offer a smaller allocation of fuel per lap across the non-hybrid sub-class and four levels of energy discharge, ranging from two to eight megajoules.

"The collective opinion is that if you are going to go hybrid, it would be best to go to the maximum level," continued Hayden.

"The technology for that is way out there and not really within reach of a privateer."

Work on the Toyota-powered Rebellion R-One is on target for the car to roll out on schedule next March.

Construction of the first monocoque has began at ORECA's headquarters adjacent to Paul Ricard and a full-size mock-up has been constructed in which Rebellion driver Nicolas Prost has validated the driving position and cockpit ergonomics.