Sierra Sesay
The mastermind behind Akkodis ASP Team, Jerome Policand, has honed in on a strategic game plan for the debut of the Lexus RC F GT3 in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The spotlight? Well, it’s firmly fixed on two key realms: aerodynamics and electronic upgrades. Policand and his team recognize that these pivotal changes are the linchpin for ensuring that the Lexus RC F GT3 not only meets but excels within the LMGT3 performance parameters. As they gear up for the championship, the focus remains on seamlessly integrating these enhancements to carve out a competitive edge on the racing circuit.
Jerome Policand, heading the Auto Sport Promotion team overseeing the inaugural season of the Japanese luxury brand Lexus in the world championship, shared insights with Sportscar365. Notably, he emphasized that despite the Lexus being the veteran in its class, there have been no alterations to the mechanical foundation. As they embark on this exciting journey, Policand affirms the team’s commitment to maintaining the core integrity of the vehicle, relying on its established mechanical platform for the challenges ahead.
Introduced to the racing scene in 2017, this car made a significant impact on various continents. It showcased its prowess in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, initially with Emil Frey Racing and later transitioning to Tech1 Racing. However, its participation in the Endurance Cup took a hiatus after the culmination of the 2020 season, marking a pause in its active contention in that particular championship.
Continuing its dynamic presence, this vehicle has sustained its activity in the United States, achieving notable success. Just last year, Jack Hawksworth and Ben Barnicoat took the wheel of an RC F GT3 under the management of Vasser Sullivan, clinching the prestigious IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD Pro title. This triumph underscores the car’s versatility and competitive spirit in the ever-demanding world of sports car racing.
Even with time, Jerome Policand assured Sportscar365 that the vehicle’s core mechanics remain unchanged. Surprisingly resilient, the car has undergone minimal alterations in that aspect. Collaborating closely with Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe, the team has dedicated considerable effort to refine and enhance the aerodynamic features, ensuring that the car aligns seamlessly with the latest advancements in racing technology.
Policand explained, “Within the World Endurance Championship (WEC), there’s a mandatory aerodynamic window applicable to all GTs. We must adhere to this specified aerodynamic range as a standard requirement in WEC competition.”
Crafted in 2015, the Lexus RC F GT3 initially missed the mark for the World Endurance Championship’s (WEC) performance criteria. Unlike newer rivals like BMW and Ferrari, the RC F GT3 needed adjustments to fit within WEC’s specified performance window.
The task of modifying the vehicle fell into the capable hands of TGR, as they demonstrated excellent proficiency in the wind tunnel,” explained Policand.
“We fine-tuned various aspects of the car’s design, making changes to the front splitter, tweaking the front bumper, refining the rear fender, and optimizing the rear wing. To complete the package, we also made subtle adjustments to the side skirt,” Policand clarified.
Akkodis ASP Team boss, Jerome Policand, revealed that significant aero modifications were made to the Lexus RC F GT3 during testing at Portimao and Barcelona. The car, first unveiled during the October Goodyear tire test at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve, underwent rigorous testing with prototypes at various tracks, and the necessary spare parts were produced and homologated in carbon by Christmas. Despite facing logistical challenges and delays in sea freight, the team successfully homologated the car, completing the FIA-required data logger tests with a third RC F GT3 at the Albi airfield in France.
The team, transitioning from Mercedes-AMGs, emphasized the learning process during winter tests, focusing on setup, tools, and electronics for the Lexus. Policand expressed confidence in the acquired data and the team’s preparation for the upcoming challenges in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Aleen Brown