Embassy Racing used its home round of the Le Mans Series to unveil big plans for the 2008 season, with the team set to switch to its own car for the first time.

Designated the WF01 after the son of team owner Jonathan France, the new car will be the creation of Peter Elleray and will be powered by the Zytek ZG348 engine. The current plans are to run two cars in 2008, while also seeking an entry into the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Embassy Racing WF01is already at an advanced stage of construction. Considered evolution rather than revolution, the team has been careful not to pioneer too much new technology in the WF01, but has instead elected to use refined and well understood options with proven durability - typified by the use of the Zytek V8 engine, Ricardo gearbox and the electronics platform which has been developed on the current Embassy LMP2 Radical and will largely be carried over.

With the build progressing at pace, it is expected that a complete car will be ready for full shakedown testing towards the end of January 2008.

"From the very first outing with Corvette in British GT, it has always been my aim to become a constructor of prototypes and compete at Le Mans," team principal France said. "I have been quietly working towards this point for some years now and a few months ago everything seemed to slot perfectly into place to make the final step. I want to establish Embassy Racing as a distinct and independent business. We have the infrastructure, know-how and investment required to make the transition to constructor and I believe we have the foundations to achieve great success.

"I am particularly proud to have achieved one of my great personal ambitions, that of building my own prototype and even more pleased that I am able to designate it the WF01 after my son William.

"I am under no illusions as to what is involved. My time in motorsport has taught me to expect the worst and prepare for worse. I have learned many valuable lessons over the years and it is time now to put that knowledge into practice. I'm sure there will be more difficulties along the way but I am determined to do everything I can to succeed and it is my goal eventually to see Embassy Racing discussed in the same circles as firms such as RML, Oreca or even Prodrive."

Warren Hughes is the only driver currently signed to drive the car next season.