ORECA in talks with multiple manufacturers to build hypercar for WEC
French constructor ORECA has revealed that it is talking to multiple manufacturers about developing a prototype for the World Endurance Championship's new hypercar category
ORECA boss Hugues de Chaunac explained that he is already in contact with major car makers as his organisation formulates a plan to enter the new top class of the WEC.
"There is a clear interest in hypercar from ORECA and we have started to work on a project," he told Autosport.
"At the same time we have had some, I would say, early discussions with OEMs.
"We have proved our level of technology and that our design office and our race team are at a very high level, so we can offer a very strong package to an OEM."
No indication was given by de Chaunac as to which manufacturers he is talking.
De Chaunac also said that ORECA remains in a dialogue with Rebellion Racing for which it built the existing R-13 LMP1 contender about entering the new category.
An entry into the hypercar division for its maiden season in 2020/21 was ruled out by de Chaunac.
"With a quick green light we could be ready for the beginning in 2021/22," he added.
"I think it would be possible to have a car running by August 2021."
Rebellion boss Calim Bouhadra has underlined the Swiss entrant's desire to remain in the WEC beyond the end of the last season of the LMP1 formula in 2019/20.
"The goal is to develop a car for 2021; everything is possible," he said.
He ruled out continuing with the Gibson-engined R-13 in 2020/21 when existing privateer P1 machinery will be allowed to compete alongside the new hypercars.
But he suggested the existing chassis could be used to develop a new engine ahead of the introduction of a hypercar for 2021/22.
Toyota and Aston Martin are the only major manufacturers to so far commit to racing hypercars in season one.
Toyota is building a prototype lookalike, while Aston Martin will field a race version of the Valkyrie hypercar being developed in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies.
Niche manufacturer Glickenhaus and LMP1 privateer ByKolles have also stated their intent to be on the grid with hypercars from the start of the 2020/21 season.
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