Le Mans Series

Creation Autosportif - Judd and Michelins promising

A very cold, but very productive two days of testing at the French Magny Cours circuit near Nevers was summed up by team boss, Ian Bickerton, as “Brilliant a great start to the racing year. We went there with high hopes, but even with the usual first-time-out glitches I’d say the test exceeded all our expectations and gave us a good platform to build on over the next few months.”

© Creation — The DBA03S with 2005 package, Judd engine and Michelins.

This was the first time that Creation had run its DBA 03S with the new elements of its 2005 package the V8 Judd engine and Michelin tyres and all parties could not have been happier with the results. Over 100 laps were completed over the two days and, unofficially, the car broke a new sports prototype track lap record with its speed.

“The ambient temperature was only 1 degree, so it was far from ideal, but Nic lapped a couple of seconds quicker than he has there in another prototype, so that’s a very good start,” said Mike Jankowski. “He could set the time consistently too. “The car is so good,” commented Nic Minassian. “The grip in the high speed corners is amazing, even when it’s as cold as this.”

Mike continues, “The package is very good, even this early, but we’ve got some issues for example some of the electrics are too close together, and that’s causing a few niggles. And we haven’t got a perfect set-up yet, although we do have a good balance.”

The team found the Judd engine to be very responsive and smooth at the top end, although the car was overgeared for Magny-Cours, so there’s definitely more time to come from the car. The changes to install the Judd have been significant, but not major. The bell housing and associated bracketry are different, some pipe work has been re-routed, but the final installation is very neat despite the go-ahead being given just a few weeks ago.

The team will now be concentrating on some wind tunnel work to further develop an improved aerodynamic package for the DBA and will be testing regularly before the first scheduled race of the season (LMES, Spa 17th April).