Epsilon Euskadi EE1 (2008)

Epsilon Euskadi is a Spanish motorsports innovation and research business. The business grew as an aerodynamic testing and development consultancy, integrating the design of race cars, assisting with team management and expanding advanced technologies. From their Basque headquarters, the development program encompassed each element of race car development from wind tunnel testing, through carbon fibre manufacture and associated autoclaves. The business was founded and run by Joan Villadelprat, who after an extensive career in Formula 1, wanted to start on his own. Villadelprat’s career had seen him as the first non-Italian chief mechanic for Ferrari, a leading member of Ron Dennis’ McLaren team as well as Prost Grand Prix

After continued successes in the World Series by Renault and several divisions of Formula Renault 2.0, the team decided to take all of their learnings and produce their own car completely, in house. Their first foray into top-flight Le Mans Prototype racing, the EE1 was born.

Utilising a full carbon fibre monocoque, the EE1 was powered by a naturally-aspirated Judd-supplied V10 mounted longitudinally behind the driver. The gearbox was supplied by Ricardo, in the form of a 6-speed sequential manual; the car comes in at 900kg.The EE1 competed in several rounds throughout the 2008 season, making its debut at the 1000km of Catalunya. Struggling with pace, the team picked up just two points in the five round season.

For the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans, Epsilon Euskadi entered two cars. This example was #21, piloted by Shinji Nakano, Stefan Johansson and Jean-Marc Gounon.

Qualifying went well placing the car in 15th for its first outing, but whilst the cars looked competitive in the race, mechanical problems forced both cars to retire with #21 completing 158 laps.

Purchased by its current owner after no use in over a decade, this example has recently been treated to a full restoration and rebuild by LMP experts at Pursuit. Recently shaken down and with virtually zero hours on all components, the EE1 is ready to race again once more, eligible for numerous endurance race events.