Rebellion confirms Oreca 07 for LMP2 switch

The Swiss team announced last month that it will step down to the baby prototype class next year, having up to now raced in the LMP1-L category - scaling back from two cars to one halfway through the season.

Since 2014, Rebellion has used its own R-One chassis, built in collaboration with Oreca, which according to the team therefore made the French constructor the "logical choice" of chassis partner for 2017.

However, the team is yet to confirm the precise nature of its 2017 programme, although it is expected that it will remain involved in the FIA World Endurance Championship, potentially alongside a programme in the US-based IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Ordering two Oreca 07s gives Rebellion the possible option of racing one in both series in parallel.

"The 2017 LMP2 races are going to be ultra competitive and that makes choosing the right chassis partner very important," said Rebellion team manager Bart Hayden.

"With the R-Ones, we have appreciated the skill of the Oreca designers and we have witnessed the success of their 05 LMP2 chassis, so it was almost a logical choice for us to continue our association together. We are excited by this new challenge and are looking forward to getting our hands on the first of our new cars."

Oreca's Hugues de Chaunac added: "We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Rebellion Racing. After the success and the great challenge with the R-One, it was logical and natural to continue the excellent relationship of work built up over the past years.

"The arrival of the team in LMP2 is very good news for the category. Rebellion Racing is a team of great quality, with a lot of experience, and it strengthens significantly LMP2."