Photo : D.R. - Rebellion Racing

Rebellion Racing test their new Lola-Toyotas in Spain

With less than two weeks until the WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Rebellion Racing conducted two days of testing at the Spanish circuit of Valencia with two new Lola-Toyotas. At the Sebring 12 Hours, the Swiss team fielded its 2011 cars brought into conformity with 2012 regs, yet made ​​the best time of petrol powered cars during qualifying.

It looked like the #12 car had every chance of a podium finish until Nicolas Prost came to a halt on the edge of the track at the end of one hour. Although the car rejoined after repairs, the venerable Lola-Toyota finished low in the rankings while the sister car #13 also ran into trouble with transmission problems early in the race.

The Swiss team dear to the late Hugh Hayden and now run by his son Bart Hayden, are looking forward to testing the new cars including the famous shark fin in the black and gold Lotus colours.

Le Mans Series 2011 LM P1 title holders, just one point in front Pescarolo Team, thanks to a pole position by Neel Jani, the title of World Champion would not be displeasing to the brand new recruit of Rebellion Racing, the German driver Nick Heidfeld, Formula 1 driver for many years, particularly in Jordan and more recently at Lotus Renault.

The first race of the new Lola-Toyotas of Rebellion Racing with two trios of Nick Heidfeld/Nicolas Prost/Neel Jani (#12) and Andrea Belicchi/Harold Primat/Jeroen Bleekemolen (#13) will be on Saturday the 5th of May in the Belgian Ardennes for 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (tickets here), the second round of the FIAWorld  Endurance Championship.

Dave Davies

Photo: CHESTE (VALENCIA, SPAIN), CIRCUIT RICARDO TORMO, WEDNESDAY 18 APRIL 2012.