British sportscar manufacturer Ginetta has selected Mecachrome to supply the engines for its 2018 LMP1 car.
The French company, known for its work on Renault Formula One engines, was mooted early on as a potential supplier when the Ginetta LMP1 concept was first revealed in January.
Ginetta managing director Ewan Baldry visited Mecachrome's Aubigny headquarters in early February to finalise plans for the partnership.
“We are delighted to be working with Bruno [Engelric, Mecachrome Motorsport Manager] and Mecachrome on the Ginetta LMP1 engine," said Baldry, who is in charge of the Ginetta LMP1 design team.
"Both parties see the currently landscape in LMP1 as the perfect opportunity to become involved in the project and we look forward to a very exciting 2017.”
Durability testing has already been carried out on the engine, with both parties satisfied by the results.
Aerodynamic testing is also underway, while CFD development will be carried out in the near future.
“Mecachrome are very much looking forward to working with Ginetta as they make the journey towards LMP1," said Engelric.
"Having spent time with the team in the UK and France, it’s clear we both have some fantastic personnel working on the project and we look forward to the future.”
A total of 10 Ginetta LMP1 cars eligible for the World Endurance Championship will be built for three customer teams, with Ginetta stepping back from running a factory effort.
The project enlists the expertise of Adrian Reynard (former head of the Reynard company), BR01 LMP2 designer Paolo Catone, and Ginetta's full in-house operation based in Yorkshire.
Invitations have been extended to potential teams and drivers for a Ginetta LMP1 preview event next month.
