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Bentley Motors Returns to Le Mans

3 November 2000

Bentley Motors Returns to Le Mans

    CREWE, England, Nov. 2 Bentley Motors announced today its
intention to return to the famous Circuit International du Mans for the Le
Mans 24 Hour race.
    Said chief executive Tony Gott, "I am thrilled to confirm that Bentley
Motors will be back at Le Mans -- next year.  Obviously this is a terrific
opportunity for Bentley Motors whose reputation was founded on its racing
success of the 1920s and early 1930s.
    "With an all-new chassis and body, the Bentley 'EXP (Experimental) Speed
8' Le Mans racing car has been quietly under development in the UK for more
than a year, and will contest the LM-GTP class.  For 2001, the race engine
will be a Bentley version of the winning Audi Le Mans V8, which is being
extensively developed and will feature new turbo technology, cooling and
induction and exhaust systems.
    "This transitional strategy of using proven engine technology from within
the Group will enable us to return to Le Mans in 2001 and, more importantly,
will enable us to 'shake down' our all-new chassis and body -- whilst
developing an all-new Bentley Le Mans engine for future years."
    The racing Bentley is being built in Norfolk by Racing Technology Norfolk,
and the programme will be managed by Richard Lloyd at Apex Motorsport in
Buckingham.  The driver line-up and further details will be announced in due
course.