After substantial development and countless test kilometres over the winter, Emil Frey Racing wants to build on last season’s improvement in form and start the 2015 season by challenging the GT3 elite.
Developed independently by the Emil Frey Racing Team have set the ambition for 2015 that their Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar will deliver strong results in the Blancpain Endurance Series. After a successful season finale in 2014 at the Nürburgring the small privately owned Swiss team spent the winter months pulling out all the stops to maximise their performances this coming season.
Built around a new chassis, the car has had substantial redevelopment in the workshops at their Safenwil head- quarters. This means less weight, a new gearbox and a heavily optimised aerodynamic package. All along with numerous other small improvements.
The three regular Swiss drivers (Lorenz Frey, Fredy Barth and Gabriele Gardel) will be reinforced by another Swiss driver Jonathan Hirschi for selected rounds. During the tests – most recently in Monza, home of the season opener – Lorenz Frey was highly impressed by the progress «This is by far the best Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar. The performance was better than expected straight out of the box. We should be capable of challenging in the top third of the field this year.»
Fredy Barth is in agreement and is looking forward optimistically: «The team has worked hard to ensure the new car is ready and will be even more competitive this year. We have clocked around 2000 kilometres of testing so should be better prepared than ever. We can enter this season with genuine confidence.»
The task will not have become easier over winter. Despite their improved vehicle and testing the Emil Frey Racing team knows only too well that the work’s teams will have also pushed on during winter and the Swiss team will have to continue its «David vs Goliath» battle. The Blancpain Endurance Series will be no less hard fought this year than last, when it gained a reputation as the FIA’s most competitive championships.
The first race of the Blancpain Endurance Series will take place on 11th/12th April Monza (I). It is a three hour race with two mandatory pit stops. GT3 cars from a staggering 11 manufacturers will take to the grid all fighting for the title. The highlight of the season is the 24Hours of Spa on the 23.–26. of July.
For those who want to get up close and personal with Emil Frey Racing Team can do so and join us at any of the races. Exclusive VIP race packages are available with paddock and pit-garage guides, high-quality catering in the hospitality area, race taxi rides, Meet and Great with the team, and many other extras.
Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar 2015
The base of the in-house developed Emil Frey Jaguar GT3 is provided by the current Jaguar XK with the naturally aspirated engine 385 PS 5.0-liter V8 engine (90°).
The fitted standard lightweight metal chassis has been strengthened by the requirements of racing with and FIA approved roll cage. A lower centre of gravity and optimum weight distribution has been achieved thanks to a transaxle and the engine mounted lower and further back in the chassis. New suspension subframes were designed and built to ensure optimal mounting. For the suspension components Emil Frey Racing utilised the 7-post-test rig of their motorsport partners.
The weight of the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar was consistently reduced and is currently recorded as 1240 kg. The many carbon fibre parts also form part of the sophisticated aerodynamics: front splitter, flat underbody, rear diffuser and spoiler. The result is that at 155mph the car is able to generate approximately 1000 kg of downforce.
The engine and electronics are optimized by partner Ilmor in accordance with the technical regulations, and includes new intake and exhaust manifolds and systems alongside indirect fuel injection and a dry sump lubri- cation. The engine management system, instrumentation, sensors and data recording of engine and chassis have also been adapted. The engine power is currently 600bhp with a maximum engine speed of 8000rpm. Exact performance will be defined after the FIA homologation process and application of any air flow limier.
To keep all that in check the braking system consists of 380mm front and 355mm rear steel discs with 6-piston calipers front and rear. Power is sent to the rear axle via a 6 speed sequential race gearbox with paddleshift. The wheels are ultra-lightweight one piece racing wheels.
The 2015 car has been built on an uprated and optimised chassis. The aerodynamic package has been updated following extensive CFD research and the suspension has been heavily revised after the data gathered throughout 2014. Furthermore, the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar is now using a new gearbox. Work has been carried out in enhancing the cooling of the cockpit. In addition, the entire vehicle has been on a diet and has shed a few kilos ahead of the new season.
Focus for 2015
Throughout 2014 Emil Frey Racing showed improvements, from race to race their form improved, but a gap
to the top, manufacturer backed teams, remained. For 2015 the independent Swiss team is focussed on closing that gap and to compete in the top third.
Based on the knowledge gained last year the Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar has again received a complete revision ahead of the new season. A completely new chassis is the centre point of the changes, a new gearbox will be used, a new aero package improves the car’s downforce and the suspension has also been heavily revised to make the best of this. The drivers will benefit from enhanced cockpit cooling.
After private and competitive official tests, Emil Frey Racing is confident for the season ahead and believes it has taken a big step forward. The rebuilt Emil Frey GT3 Jaguar has proved to be quick straight out of the box. The team and all the employees are well positioned and well prepared for the racing challenges ahead.
The task however hasn’t become any easier. The competition – Teams and manufacturers – have upgraded and will strengthen in their efforts to be successful in the Blancpain Endurance Series, the ultimate pinnacle of the GT3 racing. As an independent team Emil Frey Racing will once again pick their wits in another battle of «David against Goliath».