SMP Racing Team Manager Benjamin Durand was characteristically classy in response to the news that BR Engineering’s bid to become one of the four approved LMP2 chassis suppliers from 2017 had been unsuccessful but the body language made it clear that this was not altogether a surprise!

The two existing BR01 LMP2 coupes are in action this weekend at the Red Bull Ring and have taken a big step forward in performance, a step credited in no small part by the team to a recent test with Murphy Prototypes and a session on the Multimatic rig in the UK.

“Yes we are very pleased with the results and there are thanks due to Murphy for the test and, of course for the results.”

No news yet though of any confirmed plan for green livery on a future BR01!

The wider issue though of course is what the future plans are now for BR Engineering?

“We made it clear from the very start that the BR01 was not going to be the only car that BR Engineering was to produce.

“We’re now looking at other options with the future for us in LMP2 now closed. We had some interest in LMP3 to bolt on a driver development programme but that makes much less sense for us now with no LMP2 to move on to.

“We’re looking then at other potential projects.”

Benjamin did not wish to be drawn further on what these might be, though did confirm that the current BR01 chassis would not be adaptable directly to an LMP1-L car. It’s clear though that this avenue is one under serious examination.

“We are now discussing the options we have and decisions will be made in the coming weeks.

“I hope we can bring news of what the BR02 will be in time to make an announcement at Estoril.”