Quifel-ASM has revealed that it will become the first customer for the new Ginetta-Zytek 09S after announcing plans to use the car for its 2009 Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours challenge.

Developed from the already impressive Zytek 07S, the 09S will feature a revised aero package and will be powered by a new version of the 2007 Le Mans class winning, 3.4-litre Zytek ZG348 engine. The power unit improvements include a three kilo reduction in weight and increases in both power and torque.

Lead Quifel-ASM driver Olivier Pla has already had chance to race the Team LNT LMP1 07S during the final rounds of the American Le Mans Series, and also took the chance to test the car in LMP2 guise at Snetterton – declaring it to be a machine with 'big, big potential'.

While the team has finished as runner-up in the LMP2 class of the Le Mans Series on two occasions, the focus for 2009 will be firmly on securing class honours in the five-race series with team owner António Simões admitting that he was thrilled with the decision to switch to the Ginetta-Zytek for the new season.

"The fact that Zytek Engineering designs and manufacturers a complete car, including chassis, engine, gearbox actuation and all the electrics, was important to us," he said. "We have been competitive but we know that the Ginetta-Zytek can make us even better.

"Our team made an evaluation of all the chassis available and the 09S was chosen. We are confident that we can now develop a successful relationship with Zytek. Our plan for 2009 is to contest the Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24-hours and to finish on the podium there."

Zytek Engineering operations director John Manchester added that he was hopeful that the strong performances from the LMP1 car in the closing two races of the ALMS season could now be carried through to European shores next year.

"We are delighted to be working with a top level operation like Quifel-ASM," he said. "Recent performances in the USA have shown just how competitive the Zytek package is and we now look forward to a successful 2009 season in Europe with the Quifel-ASM team."