The rumour that has been doing the rounds since April’s test day has been confirmed: the two-time ALMS champion Highcroft Racing, which came second in the 12 Hours of Sebring in March, will not be taking part in the Le Mans 24 Hours with its new HPD-ARX 01e prototype. Its partner and engine supplier Honda has decided to put this project on hold following the tragic events that recently rocked Japan.

With three weeks remaining until June’s race, David Brabham (Le Mans winner with Peugeot in 2009) and Marino Franchitti will most probably now have trouble finding an alternative drive.

Highcroft’s withdrawal from the LMP class plays into the hands of the Kronos Racing-run Aston Martin. The Belgian outfit successfully qualified all three of its drivers – Vanina Ickx, Maxime Martin and Bas Leinders – at the test day. The first reserve prototype entry now becomes the Oreca-Nissan entered by Boutsen Energy Racing.

24 Hours of Le Mans, David Brabham, Highcroft Racing, Honda, Marino Franchitti