Debora LMP200
| Industry | Automotive, Motorsport |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Products | Le Mans Prototype race cars |
The Debora LMP200 was a Le Mans Prototype constructed by Debora in 2001 specifically for competition in the European Le Mans Series. Initially, it featured a 3.2-litre BMW inline-six engine, which was subsequently replaced by a 3-litre BMW straight-six in 2002, followed by an upgrade to a 3.4-litre Mader-BMW inline-six unit in 2003. Only a single chassis of this model was ever built. This vehicle achieved notable success by winning the LMP675 class title in the 2001 European Le Mans Series under the banner of Didier Bonnet Racing.
2001
Didier Bonnet Racing entered the Debora LMP200 for the 2001 24 Hours of Le Mans, but the entry was not accepted. The car made its first competitive appearance at the Estoril 1000 Kilometres, part of the European Le Mans Series, powered by the original 3.2-litre BMW engine. The driving team consisted of David Dussau, Guillaume Gomez, and Xavier Bich. Unfortunately, the car retired after completing 57 laps due to a wheel detachment.
At the 2 Hours 45 Minutes Most event, with drivers Dussau and Gomez, the LMP200 secured second place in the LMP675 category but had to retire because of overheating caused by a coolant leak. Its final outing that season occurred at the 2 Hours 45 Minutes Vallelunga, where it successfully finished for the first time, placing twelfth overall and claiming victory in its class. Didier Bonnet Racing ultimately won the LMP675 championship with a total of 77 points, finishing five points ahead of their closest competitor, Dick Barbour Racing.
2002
In 2002, Didier Bonnet Racing once again sought to enter the LMP200 in the 24 Hours of Le Mans but was declined. Subsequently, Debora Automobiles entered the car at the Magny-Cours round of the FIA Sportscar Championship, now equipped with a 3-litre BMW inline-six engine to compete in the SR2 category. Piloted by Gilles Duqueine, Jean-François Yvon, and Michel Maisonneuve, the vehicle retired after one hour due to an electrical malfunction, having completed 47 laps. At the following race held at Dijon-Prenois, drivers Duqueine, Dominique Lacaud, and Didier Miquée finished eighth overall and fifth within their class. The final event of 2002 took place at Spa-Francorchamps with Xavier Bich and Roland Bossy behind the wheel; however, heavy rain caused the race to be halted after two hours while they were positioned ninth overall and fourth in class. In the SR2 Manufacturer's Championship, Debora secured fourth place with 24 points, trailing Lola but ahead of Rapier.
2003
During 2003, Didier Bonnet Racing made a third attempt to participate in the LMP200 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, but this effort was again unsuccessful. Instead, the vehicle made its first appearance that year at the 1000 km of Le Mans, entered by Didier Bonnet Racing with drivers Bossy and Renaud Derlot behind the wheel. Powered by a 3.4-litre Mader-BMW inline-six engine, the car retired after five hours due to issues with the exhaust system, having completed 141 laps. This event marked the final competitive outing for the LMP200.