The illustrious Delage name is set to return to the famous Le Mans 24 Hours, thanks to a partnership with the IDEC Sport team. This event marks a significant revival for Delage, a brand renowned for its rich motorsport history, including its victory at the 1914 Indianapolis 500.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to continue rebuilding the brand's reputation internationally," said Laurent Tapie, the head of Delage Automobiles. The resurgence follows a 73-year hiatus from the Le Mans circuit, which last saw Delage participate in 1950 and included a class win in 1937. With this new partnership, Delage aims to reconnect with racing fans and reestablish its legacy.
The IDEC Sport team, which has been active in the LMP2 class since 2017, will field an ORECA-Gibson 07 LMP2 featuring Delage's branding. "We're happy to enter into this partnership with Delage. This name means great things to car fans, and there is a real story in La Sarthe. We are proud that Delage recognizes our skills," remarked Patrice Lafargue, the founder of IDEC Sport.
The Le Mans race, commemorating its centenary, will see the IDEC ORECA driven by Paul-Loup Chatin, Paul Lafargue, and Laurents Horr. The car will sport a classic French racing blue livery integrated with the Delage logo, signifying the brand's return to a pivotal event in racing history.
The ORECA's unveiling included the new colors alongside the prototype D12, described as a "road-legal Formula 1" machine. Initial plans for the D12 were unveiled in 2019, with a running prototype showcasing its capabilities at last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car features a 7.6-litre V12 engine, combined with a hybrid powertrain, capable of producing around 1,100 horsepower, indicating Delage's commitment to high-performance vehicles.
Delage plans a limited production run of 30 units of the D12 at the Magny-Cours facility, with anticipated deliveries starting in 2024. "Our ambition is to integrate state-of-the-art technology with the legacy of Delage, ensuring that we honor the history while pushing the boundaries of innovation," stated Mauro Bianchi, the veteran engineer associated with the D12's development.
Delage was founded in 1905, cementing its place in motorsport history by winning the prestigious Indy 500 with René Thomas at the wheel of its Type-Y Grand Prix racer. The company also triumphed in the RAC Grand Prix at Brooklands in the 1920s and made history with its first Le Mans entry in 1923. Although production ceased in 1953, Tapie's revival of Delage signifies a new chapter in the marque's storied existence.
As Delage prepares for this high-profile return, both the team and fans are eager to see how this combination of tradition and modern engineering will play out on the track. The collaboration with IDEC Sport not only opens a new chapter for Delage but also provides an exciting storyline for motorsport enthusiasts eager to witness a historic name’s resurgence in one of the world's most challenging endurance races.
