Saulnier switch to Mazda engines

The Saulnier Racing team will field two Mazda-engined LMP2 Pescarolos in next season's Le Mans Series and will apply to run both in the Le Mans 24 Hours

Steven English Dec 19, 2008, 3:29 PM

The team finished third in the LMP2 class with a Judd-powered Pescarolo in this year's 24 Hours and also entered an LMP1 version, but they will switch to two LMP2 cars in 2009 after agreeing a deal for AER-developeed Mazda MZR-R engines.

Saulnier Racing president Jacques Nicolet believes his team's partnership with Mazda will help them to challenge for class victories.

"Our alliance with Mazda is crucial for the development of our team in the LMP2 category," he said. "We are very proud to be working alongside the only Japanese constructor to have triumphed at the Le Mans 24 Hours and we are confident that this partnership will be very beneficial to the future of our team.

"We have already been won over by the determination of everyone at Mazda France, and their president Thierry Guillemot, to ensure everything is in place to make this new collaboration a huge success in 2009."