Preview
WEC
Early start for Honda's 2013 sports prototype program with Aragon test
Edited: Nov 16, 2012, 6:58 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The first 2013-spec Honda Performance Development, (HPD) ARX-03c LMP1 car – incorporating larger front tires as well as other significant performance upgrades – will test for the first time at the Motorland Aragon Circuit in Spain, November 18-20.
British team Strakka Racing will conduct this inaugural test. Strakka’s ARX-03a, which achieved considerable success in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship, has been subjected to an exciting upgrade package taking it to ‘03c’ (2013) specification. This upgrade includes wider Michelin front tires, plus new front-suspension geometry, steering configuration and bodywork.
As with its multiple race and championship-winning HPD ARX predecessors, the latest ARX-03c has been designed and developed with Wirth Research, taking full advantage of the company’s renowned all-digital aerodynamic and chassis development processes. Power comes from HPD’s efficient normally-aspirated 3.4-liter, V8 gasoline engine.
Strakka’s regular drivers, Jonny Kane and Nick Leventis, as well as Klaus Graf – who won the ALMS LMP1 crown in a Muscle Milk Pickett Racing-run HPD ARX-03a – will be behind the wheel at the test. Graf will fill the seat vacated by Danny Watts, who will be away in Asia on Macau Grand Prix duties during the Aragon test.
The test will almost certainly be viewed with great interest by privateer teams currently competing at LMP1 level, as well as others looking to graduate to the premier class of sports prototype racing.
HPD Vice President Steve Eriksen commented: “In 2009, HPD showed the future direction of LMP1 car design by pioneering the use of large rear tires on all four wheels of its radical, championship-winning LMP1 Acura ARX-02a prototype.
“Since then, all rival LMP1 manufacturers have adopted this concept, and the 2013 HPD ARX-03c will feature this large front-tire format, along with a raft of aerodynamic and mechanical updates, boosting all-around performance.”
Honda Performance Development
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Zytek announces partnership with Motul
Next article Michelin preparing tire test at Aragon for WEC teams
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Nick Leventis
Strakka founder Leventis banned for anti-doping violation
Endurance
Endurance
Strakka founder Leventis banned for anti-doping violation
Stoneman, Tordoff headline Strakka's Blancpain line-up
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
Stoneman, Tordoff headline Strakka's Blancpain line-up
Strakka ready for legendary Le Mans challenge
WEC
WEC
24 Hours of Le Mans
Strakka ready for legendary Le Mans challenge
More from
Strakka Racing
Paffett, Nielsen to complete IGTC season with Strakka
GT
GT
Paffett, Nielsen to complete IGTC season with Strakka
Rowland to drive Strakka Mercedes in Suzuka 10 Hours
Endurance
Endurance
Suzuka 10 Hours
Rowland to drive Strakka Mercedes in Suzuka 10 Hours
Barrichello to contest Spa 24 Hours in a Mercedes
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
24 Hours of Spa
Barrichello to contest Spa 24 Hours in a Mercedes
Latest news
Into the unknown: What to expect from WEC's Barcelona debut
WEC
WEC WEC
Barcelona
13 min
Into the unknown: What to expect from WEC's Barcelona debut
Josh Pierson earns IndyCar license approval following IMS road course evaluation test
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 14 min
Josh Pierson earns IndyCar license approval following IMS road course evaluation test
Christian Horner opens up on Red Bull F1 exit: “Perhaps it was perceived I had too much influence over the team”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1 39 min
Christian Horner opens up on Red Bull F1 exit: “Perhaps it was perceived I had too much influence over the team”
Jorge Martin: “I don’t feel I will struggle anymore” in MotoGP title run-in
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Indonesian GP
1 h
Jorge Martin: “I don’t feel I will struggle anymore” in MotoGP title run-in
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe