Status GP announce Lola LMP2 program

Status Grand Prix will this year develop an LMP2 sports car program following its decision to acquire a new 2012 specification Lola B12/80 Coupe. The Silverstone based team will take delivery of the car in the coming weeks and is currently finalizing its 2012 test and race program with the ultimate goal of competing in the full FIA World Endurance Championship in 2013.

This ambitious sports car project will be developed alongside Status GP’s existing GP3 Series activity, the team having been a championship contender and regular race winner in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The sports car project will not affect the team’s commitment to its GP3 single-seater program, being operated from expanded premises by a dedicated crew of experienced sports car engineers and technicians.

Status GP has previously been the technical partner operating both GT1 and LMP2 cars on a sub-contract basis, competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2006 and 2011 and also running cars in FIA GT and Intercontinental Le Mans Challenge events, but this is the first time it will field its own entry. Announcements concerning key technical partners and driver line up will be made when the 2012 program is finalized.

David Kennedy, Mark Gallagher and Martin Birrane make the announcement on the Autosport stage

“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Lola over the last eight years and believe this is an exciting time to enter the world of sports prototype racing. There are more automotive manufacturers coming into the sport, the European and American Le Mans Series have paved the way for the creation of the FIA World Endurance Championship, while sponsors and drivers are recognizing the benefits of competing with these superb cars at prestigious events around the world."

'We are delighted to welcome Status GP into the Lola LMP family," said Martin Birrane, Executive Chairman of the Lola Group. “Although a new entrant to sports cars, the relationship between Status and Lola goes back to the first year of A1GP in 2005. Like Lola, Status GP shares a determined and professional approach in the business of going racing and have proved to be winners in both A1GP and GP3. We very much look forward to a long and successful partnership with them on the global sports car stage."