TDS Racing will continue its long-standing relationship with ORECA when the next generation of LMP2 regulations arrives in 2028, committing to the French constructor’s new ORECA 09.
The decorated French squad becomes the third team to publicly select ORECA for the 2028–2032 regulations cycle, joining United Autosports and Duqueine Team. ORECA and Ligier Automotive will serve as the two chassis manufacturers for the next generation of LMP2 machinery.
TDS has built an extensive record with ORECA machinery across Europe and North America, including ELMS success, seven class podiums at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and two consecutive IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup titles.
TDS continues successful ORECA relationship
ORECA describes its current LMP2 partnership with TDS as dating back to 2015, when the team competed with the ORECA 05 Nissan. However, TDS co-owner Xavier Combet traces the relationship between the organisations further back to the team’s arrival in LMP2 in 2011.
The partnership has subsequently spanned several generations of LMP2 machinery and produced success on both sides of the Atlantic.
TDS therefore saw little reason to change direction when selecting its chassis for the new regulations.
“ORECA is an impeccable partner for TDS Racing. Our relationship with the manufacturer from the Var region began in 2011, as soon as we entered LMP2,” said team boss Xavier Combet.
Their relationship extends beyond the cars themselves, with Combet highlighting the trust established between TDS and the people behind ORECA.
“Since then, we have won numerous races and claimed several titles together, on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Our collaboration goes far beyond a technical partnership, with a very close relationship with Hugues de Chaunac and his teams.
“For TDS Racing, choosing ORECA was therefore an obvious decision as we open a new chapter in LMP2.”
ORECA welcomes TDS commitment
TDS brings a considerable endurance racing pedigree into the next rules cycle.
Its record includes three ELMS LMP2 championships across programmes involving Thiriet, G-Drive and VDS by Panis Racing, alongside a 2021 FIA WEC LMP2 Pro/Am title and seven class podiums at Le Mans. The team has also found considerable success in IMSA, where it won the LMP2 Michelin Endurance Cup in both 2024 and 2025.
ORECA Group President Hugues de Chaunac described TDS’ decision as another demonstration of the trust the two organisations have established.
“TDS Racing’s choice is a strong recognition of the trust we have built over the years.
“With Xavier Combet and his teams, we share a relationship based on closeness and a shared ambition for performance.
“Their decision to continue with ORECA for the new generation of LMP2 honors us and reinforces our commitment to continuing to offer teams a tool worthy of their ambitions.”
Three teams now committed to ORECA 09
TDS becomes the third confirmed customer for the ORECA 09 ahead of its competitive debut in 2028.
United Autosports became the first team to commit to the new car in May. The Anglo-American squad has used the ORECA 07 since 2019 and confirmed that its agreement will run through the 2032 season.
Duqueine Team subsequently confirmed its own ORECA commitment during the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.
ORECA continues developing the 09 ahead of the new regulations, including through an expanded simulation programme. The French constructor has partnered with AVL RACETECH to use vehicle dynamics simulation as part of the car’s development.
ORECA and Ligier attract early 2028 customers
While TDS strengthens ORECA’s customer roster, Ligier Automotive has also secured three significant commitments for its rival JS P228.
Algarve Pro Racing, Inter Europol Competition and Panis Racing have all selected Ligier for the new regulations. The JS P228 will debut in the ELMS in 2028 before entering the Asian Le Mans Series later that year and IMSA from 2029.
The early announcements have therefore divided six leading LMP2 operations evenly between the two constructors.
For TDS, however, the decision maintains a relationship that has already produced more than a decade of endurance racing success. The ORECA 09 will now provide the next chapter when LMP2 begins its new technical era in 2028.
