New german prototype-outfit BA-Equipe is shifting up its efforts to debut in the LMP3-class. Beginning next friday, the squad of german teamchef Artur Deutgen will present itself on the Essen Motorshow-fair. Meanwhile the team has fixed its location, the operation-team, first sponsors and a first pilot for its European Le Mans Series- and VdeV-programmes 2016.
New BA-Equipe will settle down its location at Essen, Germany, where they use the garages of the former GAG Motorsport Team of Carrera-Cup-Crewchief Jürgen Gröner. Gröner will take resposibility as technical director of BA-Equipe. Deutgen: “I have collaborated with Jürgen since 1995 in a variaty of series like Porsche Carrera Cup, ADAC BMW Formula Junior, V8 Star Series, and much more. He is a long term fellow of mine and since we both are born in Essen, he was my favorite candidate for this job at BA-Equipe.”
The original plan to present the Ligier JS P3 on the Essen Motorshow had unfortunately to be scrapped as Deutgen explains. “Due to additional tests of Onroak-Ligier there was not chassis available for the show. Our frensh manufacturer has received more than 30 orders for the car. They currently work flat out to complete all orders and additional tests after the first races to ensure reaching the performance- and reliability-targets for the new car. Having the car not here is a pity for our fans and sponsors, but we absolutely understand and support this move, as we as customer will participate from the results of the additional testprogramme.”
Nevertheless Deutgens team will use the Motorshow to intensify contacts with potential sponsors and pilots and can already announce first results. “We have secured the german shock-adsorber manufacturer Bilstein as technical partner for the ELMS, who will support us on track for development of our setups of the LMP3.” Further partners are the Energydrink Heavy1 and german sportscarwebsite GT-Eins as PR-partner.
Meanwhile Deutgens team has secured a first pilot for their planned VdeV-programme in the GT-Endurance series. Italian motorsport stalward Beppe Gabbiani will fill one of the available seats in the Ligier JS P3 LMP3.
Gabbiani owns a vast experience in formular- touring and sportscars. He has conquered 17 F1-GP and has participated 5 times at the legendary 24h of Le Mans. Deutgen: “When I was starting with motorsport I was following Beppes impressive speed and driving style on several occations. It is a special joy for me to work now together with him in my first season as teamchef.”