Simulation as a Key Performance Driver: AVL RACETECH and ORECA Motorsport Partner on LMP2 Development
Graz, Austria / Signes, France, June 2026 – AVL RACETECH and ORECA Motorsport are entering into a technical partnership in the field of advanced vehicle simulation. The collaboration focuses on integrating the AVL VSM™ RACE vehicle simulation platform into the development of current and future ORECA race cars – starting with the LMP2 platform and the transition from the ORECA 07 to the next-generation ORECA 09.
AVL RACETECH provides ORECA Motorsport with its fully dynamic vehicle simulation platform AVL VSM™ RACE as well as complementary engineering know-how. The software enables detailed virtual modeling of race cars and allows engineers to analyze the impact of vehicle parameters, setup changes, and ambient conditions on key performance criteria such as lap time, handling, stability, tire behavior, energy demand, and fuel efficiency. This allows technical concepts to be evaluated earlier, development decisions to be validated on a data-driven basis, and performance potential to be systematically unlocked.
“ORECA Motorsport is glad to strengthen its link with AVL RACETECH, a well-established reference in simulation technologies for motorsport. Simulation has become a key performance driver in modern racing, not only to accelerate car development, but also to support teams and drivers throughout the entire lifecycle of a program”, says Rémi Taffin, ORECA Motorsport Director. “By combining ORECA’s expertise in race car engineering with AVL RACETECH’s advanced simulation solutions, we are building a seamless ecosystem for our customers, from open-loop to closed-loop simulation. Our ambition is to improve performance, shorten learning curves, and optimize our cars at every stage of development and operation. The integration of the ORECA 07 into AVL’s simulation suite is a first milestone, while the next generation of ORECA LMP2 cars will be developed with simulation at the very core of the project to ensure a smooth and performance-focused transition from the 07 to the 09.”
From ORECA 07 to ORECA 09
A first concrete step in the collaboration is the integration of the ORECA 07 into AVL RACETECH’s simulation environment. This will create a ready-to-use virtual vehicle model for customer teams using ORECA products.
At the same time, AVL VSM™ RACE will become an integral part of the development of the ORECA 09, ORECA’s next-generation LMP2, which will be homologated for the years 2028 to 2032.
As a cost-efficient prototype class for privateer customer teams, LMP2 plays a key role in the Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since the current generation was introduced in 2017, the ORECA 07 has become the defining car in the category and today dominates the LMP2 field. For the next generation of LMP2 race cars, scheduled to enter competition in 2028, ORECA has again been selected as one of two official chassis suppliers.
"We are proud to announce our technical cooperation with ORECA, a globally recognized leader and one of the most iconic names in modern motorsport. This partnership, centred on advanced vehicle dynamics simulation, is a clear testament to our long-term commitment to being present and competitive at the very pinnacle of motorsport engineering.
From professional desktop simulation environments to state-of-the-art Driver in the Loop solutions, this collaboration is designed to deliver tangible, measurable impact. It will accelerate ORECA's development cycles, significantly reduce engineering risk, and continuously elevate the performance standard of every race car that carries the ORECA name”, adds Guillermo F. Pezzetto, Director Product and Business Development Racing, AVL List GmbH.
With around 12,000 employees, AVL is one of the world’s leading mobility technology companies for development, simulation, and testing in the automotive industry and in other sectors such as aviation, marine, and energy. Based on extensive in-house research, AVL develops innovative technologies and development tools for green, safe, and sustainable mobility.
AVL supports international customers and partners in their sustainable and digital transformation. The company focuses on electrification, software, artificial intelligence, and automation. In addition, AVL supports companies in energy-intensive industries on their path to more sustainable and efficient energy generation and supply.
Innovation is a central driving force at AVL. Together with a global network of experts at more than 90 locations and over 45 tech and engineering centers, AVL is actively shaping the future of mobility.
For more information: www.avl.com
Founded in 1973 by Hugues de Chaunac, ORECA is fully dedicated to performance and is a major player in the world of motorsport today. ORECA Motorsport designs, assembles, develops, and fine-tunes chassis, engines, and system architectures. Its tried-and-true experience in racing vehicles on track allows the department to facilitate reliable, high-performance solutions adapted to the various circuits and championships around the world. With nearly 250 victories in LMP2 and 11 consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and thanks to its presence in Hypercar through four major car manufacturers, ORECA is an established benchmark motorsport partner on the world stage, including WEC, IMSA, ELMS, ALMS, and SRO. The company is capable of providing all services with global and customized customer support from its headquarters located in Signes, Magny-Cours, and Indianapolis.
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