Virage VdeV Sports Car Is Go! The new Pilbeam MP98 will make it’s début in the UK VdeV Championship 2008 run by Lanan Racing for Damien Charveriat and Charlie Hollings. The Pilbeam is the result of extensive aerodynamic development using experience gained through the series of LMP2 prototypes which competed at the Le Mans 24 Hours over recent years. The latest sophisticated CFD computer techniques were used plus further research Pilbeam have carried out by applying the results of this work to ChassisSim, a superb performance simulation programme, thus arriving at design giving the best lap time at a variety of circuits. Special emphasis has been placed on the underfloor airflow which is critical to efficient performance, although other features such as the rear wing and an extremely neat brake cooling duct have also had a great deal of attention. This research is continuing throughout the development of the Pilbeam Virage, but already predicted cornering power is even greater than the LMP2, so is guaranteed to give drivers a fantastic experience and a genuine evolution path towards the ultimate Le Mans Prototype category. At the same time the traditional Pilbeam qualities of great mechanical handling and feedback to the driver are retained through advanced suspension design and an exceptionally stiff chassis. The Virage is designed to comply fully with FIA CN regulations and although this is not a requirement of the VdeV rules it will allow the driver to compete in other International events where this is necessary and will also give the driver a high level of confidence in the basic security of the chassis. We are delighted to announce that the Honda 2 litre engine is being built by Neil Brown Engineering, a company responsible for many superb racing engines and sure to make an impression on the VdeV category. We have worked with Neil Brown on the Honda Touring Car and have great regard for the work they do. Pilbeam would also like to acknowledge the help of Danny Nowlan of ChassisSim for work on the lap simulation predictions and of TotalSim who made great contributions in analysis of the aerodynamic data. The photo below shows the Pilbeam Virage having it’s first body fitting.