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Reynard prepared for Le Mans

Race car manufacturer Reynard is well on course for the Le Mans 24 Hours with constant development to its 2KQ sports-prototype taking place. The winning CART constructor, that is also involved in F1 and the ALMS, plans to hit the ground running on its first ever visit to La Sarthe

Three teams have entered using the 2KQ, ORECA, Johannson Matthews and RocAuto. All three have been collaborating with Reynard to eradicate the early problems the chassis suffered from, and to develop the characteristic aerodynamics needed for the long straights of Le Mans.

The bodywork has been completely revised to meet these criteria, with extensive wind tunnel testing carried out. The updates will produce a car that is specific to the low drag, high-speed characteristics of the Le Mans circuit and although developed specially for this race, many of the development and the knowledge gained will be appropriate to other Sportscar events in which Reynard customers compete.

The pre-qualifying test session is scheduled for the end of April.

Kieron Salter, Technical Manager, Reynard 2KQ, sums up the developments, saying, "Le Mans needs a very specific approach. There are a number of different routes that can be taken to get the desired aerodynamic balance and it takes time to work through the options and develop the car in the right direction. The Reynard 2KQ is still early in its Le Mans development programme, but we're working hard to achieve the deadlines set."

"The Reynard 2KQ sports racing car proved to be quick in its first two
outings at Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours, but a combination of
bad luck and lack of reliability put us out of contention. We have put a tremendous amount of effort into eliminating the reliability issues, improving and updating parts to increase performance and developing the
Le Mans aerodynamic package. We've been able to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the 2KQ and refine the basic product to be a worthy contender at Le Mans 24 Hours."

Mark Smithson, managing director, Reynard Motorsport, adds, "The Reynard 2KQ has plenty of potential for Le Mans. The project team have put all their energies and experience into preparing the car for pre-qualifying and I know they won't stop until race day. We'll be working with our teams to push on with developments, testing and analysing data with them to perfect the package in time for this important race."

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