01.06.2004 After a troubled time at the pre-qualifying sessions Force One have withdrawN their Pagani Zonda entry from the Le Mans 24 Hour race

After a troubled time at the Le Mans pre-qualifying sessions back in April, Force One have taken the decision to withdraw the Pagani Zonda from this month's 24 Hour race.

While Force One had concerns about the reliability and competitiveness of the Mercedes-Benz powered racer, designated the Zonda GR, the biggest factor in their decision to withdraw their entry was their worries regarding safety.

Plagued by electrical faults during the two four hour practice sessions at Le Mans, the car completed barely a handful of laps and indulged in several spins. Force One Racing, who brought in ex-F1 pilot Jean Pierre Jabouille to assist with the project, gave the Zonda a final trial last week at Magny-Cours before the decision was made to pull out of the twenty four hour classic.

Force One, run by another former French Grand Prix star Phillipe Alliot, cited that the have neither the finances or the means to develop the Zonda into a competitive proposition. The ywill now concentrate on the French FFSA GT series this year with their Chrysler Viper.

This could now signal the end of the road for the Carsports Holland built Pagani Zonda project as no other potential customers are in sight.

With factory backing Carsports kicked off last year with ambitions to build a series of customer cars. An unsuccessful debut at the 2003 Sebring 12 Hours was followed by an early exit at Le Mans before they went back to the drawing board and established a link with Force One.