24h Le Mans
IDEC Sport has taken the wraps off the Oreca 07-Gibson it will be fielding in the European Le Mans Series and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this June. The livery is a nod to the 1974 Le Mans-winning Matra.
In a nod to the 1974 Le Mans-winning Matra, the #28 Oreca 07-Gibson is metallic blue with a gold stripe on the nose and splashes on the sides. The touches of white that featured on the 1974 Matra MS670B adorn the cockpit, and the Matra logo is clearly visible on the nose. “We were inspired by the depth of the 1970s blue, which feels very contemporary”, explained Paul Lafargue, driver of the LMP2 prototype alongside Job Van Uitert and Reshad de Gerus. “We took the metallic aspect and the white on the side panels and the cockpit reminiscent of the Matras of that era. Back then, they used a green, red or yellow stripe to stand out. We opted for gold in celebration of their success and of success in general. We were torn between the modern look that suits LMP2 or a vintage feel to emphasise the historic aspect. We opted for a blend of both. I think the car will stand out on track. I like the result. It’s classy and I’m proud to drive it. We didn’t set out to be totally different. The aim was to rekindle a flame. We wanted to adapt the livery to modern tastes and bring the make firmly up to date and in step with the discipline as it is today.”
Patrice Lafargue and Dino Lunardi’s #17 Ligier JS P320-Nissan competing in the Michelin Le Mans Cup sports the same livery. “It’s great to see cars with this livery”, enthused Rebirth boss and Matra owner Grégory Trebaol. “Our partnership with Rétromobile is taking shape. The past is part of the present. Even though there is plenty of room for growth, it’s satisfying to see that, 50 years on, Matra is back in the ELMS and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I’m sure this unveiling marks the beginning of a beautiful relationship with our fans.”
2015 24H Series champion
