Rumour is rife regarding who will run Porsche RS Sypders in the Le Mans Series in 2009.
We have previously reported the fact that Van Merksteijn probably will exit the series in 2009 after acheiving their goals in 2008. Equipe Verschuur are still looking for a partner to run that car in 2009.
We have also reported that Fredy Lienhard has now reitred and Horag Racing are looking for a driver with funding to continue their program in 2009. This is likely to go ahead but additional funding is needed.
It has also now been reported that Team Essex has closed their racing operations, with the official line that their mission in motorsports is complete. More likely however is that the world economic crisis has impacted on the teams operations and ability to find the necessary cash. It is thought that their car could be put into a collection and may not see track time.
The FMSC View
So we could see two or even three or we could see none. It seems that sportscar racing is not immune to the global economic woes and the most expensive LMP2 racecar could be the face of that problem in the Le Mans Series.
Naturally, we will bring you more as it comes to hand
Sam Tickell