Following a successful debut run in the Rallye du Var, Oreca has moved its R4 Kit development program on to the homologation phase. Last week, at ORECA’s workshops in Signes, France, an FIA technical team homologated each part of the kit, making it eligible and approved for road use as soon as 2018.
“These two days with FIA members went really well” explained Matthieu Bassou, R4 technical project manager. “We have followed a traditional homologation procedure. Basing ourselves on the rules & regulations of the R4 kit’s homologation, ORECA’s engineers have controlled each part of the kit, point by point.”
The first day of approval was dedicated to the engine, with the second day focused on the chassis. Once this phase of approval is complete, the final homologation form will be issued. Throughout the process, the logbook has been controlled by the FIA to confirm it was coherent and in accordance with technical regulations. Once the FIA give their agreement, no amendments will be possible anymore on it.
“The first feedback was very positive. FIA engineers were glad to see that the design of the kit matches the overall of philosophy that the FIA wished to put in place with the R4 class, continued Bassou. “Now, it’s time to refine the result of this first step by finalising the catalogue of parts, technical tutorials as well as technical support.”
After this visit from the FIA, homologation forms and documents should be available in early 2018.
