Nissan has concluded its involvement as an engine supplier in LMP2 prototype racing by taking the class victory at the 6 Hours of Bahrain with G-Drive Racing’s car driven by Roman Rusinov, Rene Rast and Alex Brundle.
Next year, brand new LMP2 cars will be used in competition and will all be powered by Gibson Technology-provided units.
Despite Nissan’s unsuccessful foray into LMP1 competition, its NISMO engines have dominated the mid-range prototype category since 2012. As a matter of fact, Nissan-powered entrants had claimed successive victories in the 34 races prior to the Bahrain event. Throughout Nissan’s successful five-year stint in LMP2, its engines have powered entrants from Oak Racing, SMP Racing, G-Drive Racing and Singatech Alpine.
Discussing the company’s exit from the sport, NISMO global motorsport director Mike Carcamo said: “We’re sad that our time as an LMP2 engine supplier has come to end in the FIA WEC, but after five seasons and 37 victories we are immensely proud of our involvement and grateful to have had the opportunity to power so many teams to victory.”
“The fact that LM P2 was an open engine competition, and we have become so successful that every single team in this year’s championship chose NISMO power, is very rewarding. Despite the rule change for next year, Nissan remains committed to prototype-style racing through LMP3 competition. Our VK45DE engine will also remain available for teams competing in the Asian Le Mans Series,” Carcamo concluded.
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