Judd and AIM will offer power to the LMP1 privateers

Given the fact that the LMP2 class will be limited into four chassis companies and a single engine for 2017 onwards, some companies and teams are already making their moves to find the best option for them, and one of these options includes entering a private effort into the LMP1 class. If so, the teams involved will have an additional engine choice as Judd and AIM will come back to the class.

It was announced this Monday (2) that both companies will join forces again to offer another option to the privateer teams aside the turbocharged 2.4-liter AER P60 V6 powerplant that currently moves the Rebellion R-One models from Rebellion Racing as well the CLM P1/01 of the Team ByKolles outfit.

Their engine is supposed to be an updated version of their trusted 5.5-liter YS5.5 V10 engine that powered the early versions of the ORECA 01 LMP1 machine, which finished the 24 Hours of Le Mans in fifth overall in 2009 and fourth overall in 2010. The AIM-developed Judd engine also powered the Courage-ORECA LC70E that was used before the ORECA 01, as well the Creation CA07 LMP1 model. The decision was taken after consultation with prospective LMP1 teams and chassis builders as possibilities like a Turbo V6, a naturally aspirated V8 and a V10 were considered.

According to the statement released by Judd, their unit met the current fuel efficiency levels required to be available in the LMP1 class, and is supposed to generate well over 650 horsepower. This comes as an alternative for Judd to stay in the LMP market, as from 2017 Gibson Technology will take the task of building the spec LMP2 engine, and ORECA was already chosen as the developer of the Nissan-based engine for the LMP3 class.

Currently, Judd has its V8 LMP2 engines in the Krohn Racing Ligier JS P2, the Morand Racing Morgan EVO and in the Race Performance ORECA 03R, competing in the European Le Mans Series, the FIA World Endurance Championship and in the Asian Le Mans Series.