Dome back at Le Mans

Two weeks ago Japanese Le Mans Contractor Dome is to return to the Le Mans 24 Hours, joining with the Pescarolo team. Dome announced that it will enter an updated S102 in the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans. The updated car, designated the S102.5, will be powered by a Judd 3.4L V8. Also, it will do the 3rd Round of FIA World Endurance Championship race at 6 Heures de Spa-Francorchamps in May at Spa. Therefore, it will do two rounds in this seasons WEC.



Pescarolo Team will run the LMP1 car, the S102.5, alongside one of their own prototype Pescarolo 03 Judd 3.4 V8 at the 24 Hours in June.

Deals for the S102.5 to run with a Judd 3.4-litre V8 and Michelin tyres are already set in place. Former F3000 and Peugeot driver Nicolas Minassian has agreed terms to race the car in its two appearances this year. Former STR F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais is also close to a deal as-well, while the team will also have a Japanese driver.

Dome first raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1979 then returned in 2000 with the S101 customer car entered by the Racing for Hollandrun by former Le Mans winners Jan Lammers and John Nielsen respectively.

A Dome S101hb run by Racing for Holland at the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans.


Below a video of Dome Prototype driven by John Nielsen at Le Mans in 2001 race.




Also, in late 1995, Dome announced its plan to enter F1 with a car designed by Akiyoshi Uko called the Dome F105 using a Mugen Honda V10ş Good Year tyres and Minardi transmission and hydraulic system. Planned to entred F1 in 1997, but never materialised due to lack of sponsorship and Mugen's refusal to supply engines. So here´s a YouTube vıdeo of Shinji Nakano testıng the F105 at Suzuka in 1996.Enjoy.



End of post for now. New one soon. Bye.