Gibson Technology has signed a contract with DragonSpeed to supply LMP1 engines for the 2018-’19 season.

DragonSpeed-the 2017 ELMS LMP2 champions-have confirmed their intention to contest LMP1 in FIA WEC in 2018, running a one-car team with a BR1 chassis and Gibson GL458 engine. The BR1 chassis is a collaboration between Dallara and BR Engineering.

The new LMP1 engine supplied by Gibson will be based upon their successful LMP2 engine. Design, development and production of the new GL458 are taking place at Gibson’s Repton, United Kingdom facility, with the first engine being scheduled for delivery to DragonSpeed in late February.

“Everyone at Gibson is thrilled that one of our most successful LMP2 engine customers has opted to remain with us to continue with this excellent partnership and we look forward to tackling the challenge of LMP1 together,” said John Manchester, Gibson Technology’s operations director. “Work has been underway for a while on the new LMP1 power unit and we will aim to ensure that we can deliver the required combination of power, fuel efficiency and good reliability from the moment the DragonSpeed Dallara Gibson goes on track.”

All LMP2 WEC, ELMS and Le Mans 24 Hour teams are currently powered by Gibson engines, with over 500,000kms covered so far with the GK428 engines. The new LMP1 contract with DragonSpeed is a natural progression for Gibson’s highly motivated engineers to prove their reliability and success at the top level of endurance racing.

“I am delighted to forge this alliance with Gibson Technology,” said Elton Julian, DragonSpeed team owner. “Having personally raced with their engines in the past and now winning our first LMP championship as a team owner with their power plant, I can’t think of a better partner for DragonSpeed’s next challenge. Reliability, support and the common desire to succeed make this the obvious choice for our program.”