The Debora LMP296 was a Le Mans Prototype, built by Debora Automobiles in 1996 for use in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car was originally entered with a 2-litre turbocharged Cosworth straight-four engine, but several other engines were used in the car's three-year career. Two cars are known to have been built. In conjunction with the LMP297, the car helped Waterair Sport to the International Sports Racing Series SR2 Team's Championship in 1998. The LMP296 was updated into the LMP299 for 2000.
Design and development
The LMP296's chassis was developed by Roger Rimmer, whilst its bodywork was designed by Didier Bonnet. It featured an aluminium honeycomb monocoque chassis, and its open-top bodywork was made from carbon fibre. When it was initially built, it featured a Ford Escort RS Cosworth-derived 2-litre turbocharged straight-four engine, race-prepared by Fochesato, and capable of a claimed maximum output of The engine's power was transmitted to the wheels via a 5-speed Hewland FGC transmission. The LMP296 used double-wishbone suspension developed by KONI, and its Michelin-shod 16" wheels were stopped by Alcon disc brakes, with 4-piston calipers. In 1998, various other engines were experimented with; a 3-litre Alfa Romeo V6 engine, 3- and 3.2-litre BMW straight-six engines, before the team finally settled on the 3-litre BMW unit after the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Racing history
LMP296
1996
The Debora LMP296 was first entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans pre-qualifying session in 1996 by Didier Bonnet Racing. Both LMP296 chassis were entered, but the LMP296-01 chassis did not arrive, and the LMP296-02 chassis, driven by Guillaume Gomez, was only able to finish in 56th position, and, as a result, was not allowed to participate in the main event. However, the LMP296-01 chassis, driven by Edouard Sezionale, Jean-Claude Basso and Thierry Lecerf, was allowed to compete, and qualified 52nd for the race. The car did not start the race, due to engine problems. The car made its first racing appearance in the 1996 Le Mans Autumn Cup, with its drivers Jacques Chevalier, Dominique Lacaud and Patrice Roussel finishing fifth overall, and second in the LMP2 class.
1997
Its next appearance came at the first ever International Sports Racing Series race in 1997, held at Donington Park, but the car, now classified as a SR1 car and driven by Didier Bonnet and Chevalier, retired after just six laps; the new Debora LMP297 car, which was classified in the SR2 category, also retired. The LMP296 was listed as a SR2 class car for second round at Zolder, but the car was crashed during the formation lap, and was unable to make the start. Neither Debora car competed at Brno, but both were present at the season finale, held at Jarama. Once again classified as a SR1 car, the LMP296, driven by Hervé Regout and David Dussau, finished fourth overall, and third in class.