Le Mans Series

Quifel-ASM to race a Ginetta-Zytek 09S in 2009

© American Le Mans Series // Ginetta-Zytek at Petit Le Mans

Quifel-ASM, one of the leading LMP2 teams in the Le Mans Series, has become the first customer for the Ginetta-Zytek 09S, as Zytek Engineering’s latest car is to be called. Developed from the already impressive Zytek 07S, the 09S will feature a revised aero package and will be powered by a new version of the 2007 Le Mans class winning, 3.4-litre Zytek ZG348 engine. The power unit improvements include a 3kg reduction in weight and increases in both power and torque.

Runner-up in the Le Mans Series LMP2 championship in both 2006 and 2007 with wins at the Nürburgring, Jarama, Spa and Valencia, the Lisbon-based Quifel-ASM Team has been one of the LMS’s most consistent performers. Indeed, it should have won the series in 2006 but for the fact that, due to an idiosyncrasy in the rules, it had to be entered under a different name during the early part of that year. Lead driver, and former GP2 winner, Olivier Pla has already tested and raced the Team LNT LMP1 Ginetta-Zytek 07S. “I can see the car has a big, big potential,” he said just prior to the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta where that car led overall in the early stages. “Both the engine and chassis appear to be very good and there is still a lot of development to come. For me, it is the car to give a hard time to the Porsches.”

In addition to racing at Petit Le Mans, Olivier tested the 07S in LMP2 form at Snetterton where Quifel-ASM’s highly experienced race engineer Alan Mugglestone was also present. “He, too, could see its potential,” recalled Olivier.

“The fact that Zytek Engineering designs and manufacturers a complete car, including chassis, engine, gearbox actuation and all the electrics, was important to us. We have been competitive but we know that the Ginetta-Zytek can make us even better. Our team made an evaluation of all the chassis available and the 09S was chosen. We are confident that we can now develop a successful relationship with Zytek. Our plan for 2009 is to contest the Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24-hours and to finish on the podium there,” said Quifel-ASM team owner, former Formula 3 racer António Simões.

Zytek Engineering operations director John Manchester said, “We are delighted to be working with a top level operation like Quifel-ASM. Recent performances in the USA have shown just how competitive the Zytek package is and we now look forward to a successful 2009 season in Europe with the Quifel-ASM team.”