Historical
The history of the ORECA Group is indelibly linked to that of its founder, Hugues de Chaunac, and his 35-year old passion which has always kept him on the move. A quick look back at the ORECA Group’s milestones.
A promising start in the Nevers region…
In 1972, Hugues de Chaunac set up ORECA (ORganisation, Exploitation, Competition Automobile) beside the Magny-Cours circuit.
Barely 3 years later in 1975, ORECA scored its first major title victory when Jacques Laffite won the FIA Formula 2 Championship.
Hugues de Chaunac’s team soon became a showcase for young drivers to display their talents and an indispensable launch pad for each of them on their way to Formula 1.
Jean Alesi, Thierry Boutsen, Jacky Ickx, Alain Prost, Patrick Tambay, Didier Pironi, Yvan Muller, Hubert Auriol, Alain Ferté, Eric Helary and many others scored ORECA’s victories in that era!
But it was just the start of a mind-boggling rise as proved by the numerous titles won by the ORECA team :
- 8 consecutive French F3 Championships.
- 7 Monaco F3 Grand Prix victories.
- 3 European Titles (Formula 2 with Jacques Laffite (1975), René Arnoux (1977) and Formula 3 Alain Prost (1979).
Expansion and major projects…
In 1987, Hugues de Chaunac decided to move to Signes in the Var department beside the mythic Paul Ricard circuit. The company pursued its development in modern, spacious premises that provided the perfect environment for its expansion.
This new factory signalled the start of a new era, that of an association with major manufacturers (Lada, Mazda, BMW, Peugeot, Dodge, Chrysler), significant exploits and diversification.
Hugues de Chaunac and his staff knew that it was essential to diversify to become a major player on the motorsports market.
While the team was still developing major projects on all fronts it continued its inexorable rise :
- French Rallycross Champion in 1988 and 1989 with Peugeot
- Victory in the Pharaohs’ Rally in 1990 with Lada.
- Victory in the 1991 Le Mans 24 Hours with Mazda.
- French SuperTouring Champion in 1995 with BMW.
- Andros Trophy winner in 1995/1996 and 1996/1997 with BMW.
ORECA then gave free rein to its thirst for major challenges, in particular during the Viper period in which the team won prestigious titles :
- The FIA GT World Championship in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
- GTS victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
- Outright victory in the Daytona 24 Hours in 2000 !
Moving ahead with all activities linked to auto racing…
From that moment on, the team takes on a whole new dynamic : at first, its development strategy is realised with the creation of a distance selling hub and online boutique, as well as its events hub and engineering department.
Then, the group decided to put to use its vast expertise by growing externally in order to place itself as a leader in a very competitive market.
This growth led to the purchases of SNBE corporation in 2004, renamed ” ORECA-Magny-Cours “, and Courage Compétition in 2007 which elevated ORECA to the ranks of constructor.
From there was born the challenge of the 24 Hours…
In three participations at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the LMP1s « made by Oreca » are at the finish of each edition with promising results : 8th in 2008, 5th in 2009, 4th and first petrol car in 2010. Also entered in the Le Mans Series, the ORECA 01 in Mondrian colours obtained good results, including victory at the 1000km of Silverstone in 2009.
Meanwhile, the team continues its collaboration with worldwide constructors. Firstly in WTCC with Seat, 2008 World Champions. As well as in sportscar racing with Peugeot, 2010 Le Mans Series champions.
In 2011, Oreca is confirming its intentions as a constructor…
The team will be present at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP2 with the all new ORECA 03, designed and built in the « Varois » workshops. But most importantly, it is with « customer competition » program that Oreca will demonstrate itself like a veritable manufacturer. No fewer than x ORECA chassis will be at the starting line for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, both in LMP1 and LMP2.
See the rest of our history on oreca-racing.com !
