VIDEO: Ginetta LMP1 undertakes shakedown at Leeds East airport

Ginetta has revealed its initial shakedown running of its new LMP1 challenger as it steps up preparations for the 2018-19 World Endurance Championship.

The British manufacturer, teaming up with customer team TRS Manor, is set to debut its new LMP1 car for the new WEC super-season to take on the factory Toyota Gazoo Racing squad in the premier class of prototypes.

After unveiling its LMP1 challenger at the start of the month, the Ginetta G60-LT-P1 has completed its maiden shakedown test at Leeds East Airport in North Yorkshire but no official data has been released by the manufacturer.

The LMP1 machine undertook several high speed straight line runs at Leeds East Airport with Ginetta factory driver Mike Simpson at the wheel. The closed test saw Ginetta’s design, test and development teams in attendance with representatives of TRS Manor.

Ginetta Technical Director Ewan Baldry has spoken of his pride at the first private test as it begins to increase preparations for the WEC Prologue at the Paul Ricard circuit on the 5-6 April.

“It was a proud moment for all of us, seeing the G60-LT-P1 powering up and down the runway,” Baldry said. “We are delighted that the car’s first run went without any problems, the systems performed perfectly and we can now move on to the next stage, fine-tuning the package in an intensive test programme as we develop the G60-LT-P1.

“The reception for the car at its launch was phenomenal, and with testing now underway interest in the car, its performance and potential is only going to increase.  We’re very excited by what lies ahead for our customers.”

TRS Manor will run two customer cars in the LMP1 class in the 2018-19 WEC season with its engine supplier and driver line-up yet to be confirmed. Ginetta is currently using Mecachrome turbocharged V6 LMP1 engines for its test chassis.