Team Bentley confirmed yesterday that it will return to Le Mans in 2002. With
Audi now owning Bentley there were suggestions that Bentley may not enter as it
might steal the limelight from the successful Audi team.
Chairman-elect Franz-Josef Paefgen said "I am thrilled that my first
announcement as chairman-elect of Bentley Motors is to confirm that Team Bentley
and the Bentley Boys will be back at Le Mans next year. Within the current
regulations we have not been able to reach the full potential of the EXP Speed 8
and are now developing, in conjunction with Audi, a new and exclusive Bentley
engine with increased capacity. In addition we will further optimise the
performance of the car."
He added: "As the new engine will not be ready before March, we
believe that the real title challenge for Bentley will come in 2003. The team
gained invaluable experience this year and we will be doing everything in our
power to ensure Bentley is back on the podium next year, but we know we will
face some very tough competition."
Team Bentley confirmed that they are reviewing the driver line-up for the
Bentley EXP Speed 8. Confirmation of the drivers is not expected until the New
Year.
Design and development of the EXP Speed 8 continues under the stewardship of
rtn (Racing Technology Norfolk) while Richard Lloyd and John Wickham will once
again manage the test and development programme under the Team Bentley banner.
Other personnel details will be confirmed in the New Year.
Links: [Links]Le Mans|lemans[/links], www.teambentley.com
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