Another new Lola was shaken down at Snetterton last week, as the Chamberlain/Synergy team ♉began its preparations for the forthcoming Le Mans Endurance Series opener at Spa-Francorchamps.

The B05/40 LMP2 'junior' prototype was put through its paces by experienced sportscar racers Bob Ber🧜ridge and Peter Owen, who will be joined in both the LMES and at the Le Mans 24 Hours by the car's co-owner Gareth Evans. The test was overseen by sportscar regular Hugh Chamberlain, who has spearheaded Le Mans operations since the early 1980s, including running the Lola-MG LMP675 cars in 2001 and 2002.

"It ran so well," an impressed Berridge reported ⭕at the end of a largely reliable test, "I did about 60 laps and, even in traffic, I was down to a 63-second lap. We were just playing with it, but the AER engine is very powerful, and the car has got loads and loads of grip."

Five B05/40 chassis have already been sold to customers, with more of the distinctive cars set to be built during the year. Two examples wil♔l be in action at the Sebring 12 Hours this weekend, with Intersport Racing and Bill Binnie Motorsport already committed to the burgeoning LMP2 category.