Lucas Ordonez is the first race driver for Nissan ZEOD RC prototype

Lucas Ordóñez, a two-time Le Mans 24 Hours LM P2 podium finisher and inaugural Nissan PlayStation GT Academy winner, is confirmed as the first race driver for Nissan’s ZEOD RC prototype. Recently, Ordóñez took a class victory at the Dubai 24 Hours. He was previously confirmed as the test driver for the ZEOD RC project, but has been promoted as its race driver.

"Since becoming our first GT Academy winner, Lucas has demonstrated his speed and talent in a wide variety of Nissan machinery - LMP2, GT3, GT4, Super GT and even V8 Supercar. That versatility was a key part of the decision to place him as the inaugural race driver locked in for the Nissan ZEOD RC," said Darren Cox, Nissan Global Motorsport Director.

The Nissan ZEOD RC will become the first car to complete an entire 13.6 kilometer lap of Le Mans 24 hours with electric power. The said car is equipped with electric motors which is generated by a 1.5L, 3 cylinder turbo engine that can generate up to 406 ps and weighs 40 kg only.

For each tank of fuel used at Le Mans, the Nissan ZEOD RC will complete an additional lap on pure electric power. The car’s battery will be recharged by regenerative braking while operating under petrol power. Through the regenerative braking, the heat generated by the carbon brakes produce electricity.

Nissan’s development project is part of their campaign on the LM P1 class of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2015.