After enduring a rough weekend at the European Le Mans Series opener at Silverstone on 16 April, DragonSpeed rebounded with a superb run to third place at Imola on 15 May, marking the Florida-based outfit’s first podium in LMP2 competition. Platinum driver Nicolas Lapierre also claimed pole and fastest lap in the team’s ORECA O5-Nissan. The race was also notable for a mighty performance by Bronze driver Henrik Hedman and a stunning return to the track for former single-seater star Ben Hanley after a six-year layoff.
The time and logistical demands of DragonSpeed’s post-Sebring preparations caught up with the team at Silverstone and made for a disappointing weekend culminating in retirement just after half distance. A month later, the resilient DragonSpeed crew hit the ground running at Imola. The team’s immediate practice pace was underlined in qualifying when Nic Lapierre grabbed pole by .03s as the flag fell, with the first eight cars covered by less than a second.
Lapierre took the start, leading throughout his opening stint and setting the race’s fastest lap along the way. Hedman held onto third for his hour behind the wheel, fending off the Silver-ranked Julian Leal in impressive fashion. Next up was Hanley who rejoined in seventh but quickly worked his way back up the order, making bold use of the kerbs to pass five cars in the space of just 24 laps to run second. Ben’s challenge for the lead was blunted by contact with a GTE-class Ferrari which damaged the nose.
With third place at least looking secure, the arrival of light rain prompted the team to chance a switch to intermediate tires, but the gamble backfired when a full downpour followed. Lapierre took over for the run to the checker, but could not make up the extra pit time. The drivers were nonetheless elated as they ascended the podium.
The strong result heralded a major development for DragonSpeed’s future, bringing forward discussions between Henrik Hedman and team principal Elton Julian about expanding to a two-car effort for 2017. The plan was quickly confirmed with an order for a pair of the forthcoming ORECA O7 chassis to be run in the ELMS, with hopes of an entry for the Le Mans 24 Hours. The team is aiming to expand its current base at Circuit Paul Ricard to accommodate additional personnel and equipment.
“Imola was just what we needed to remind ourselves that we have the ability and hunger to back up our ambitions,” said Julian. “I can’t thank Henrik enough for his vote of confidence in the team. It’s a dream opportunity and we intend to grab it with both hands. I’ll even be relocating with my family to make sure I can give 100% to the program. We can start talking to potential drivers now, and Henrik and I will be at Le Mans this week to make our case for racing in next year’s 24 Hours.”
“In its short time in LMP2, DragonSpeed has already made great progress. Their first pole and podium at Imola are a just reward for the job they’ve done,” said ORECA President Hugues de Chaunac. “We are happy to see the team growing with two of our cars for next year, and would like to thank both Henrik and Elton for their faith in ORECA. We are looking forward to a strong and successful cooperation.”