New Year, New Regulations for LMP2

The Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) is defined as a closed racing car, destined only to teams independent from chassis constructors and the engine supplier.  The new regulations aim to ensure long-term success for the category with a reduction in costs and the guarantee of stability in the regulations.

The four constructors who will supply chassis for the cars that will compete in the LMP2 category are: Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca and the joint-venture Riley Tech/Multimatic.

Ligier JSP 217 - Photo:DPPI

In the European Le Mans Series, FIA World Endurance Championship and Asian Le Mans Series all LMP2 cars will be equipped with Gibson Technology engines. The 4-litre V8 engine, which was unveiled at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, delivers around 600bhp, an increase of approximately 100bhp on engines run in 2016. In addition to the power increase, teams will be able to reduce their engine costs, taking advantage of all the services linked to running an engine without significant extra charges - such as technical service and presence at the track.

Cosworth Electronics will be the single electronics supplier. The unique Cosworth electronic unit will also provide a more efficient level of service (equipment, etc.), while enabling the performance of the engines run in the ELMS, FIAWEC and Asian LMS and in the American series to be managed.

The weight and dimensions of the 2017 LMP2 cars have changed from the closed cockpit cars run previously with the maximum measurements of the new cars being longer, narrower, slightly taller and 30kg heavier.

The new 2017 LMP2 cars will first race in Europe at the opening round of the European Le Mans Series on Saturday 15 April 2017 at Silverstone in the UK.  The public will be able to see the new cars on track during The Prologue, the official pre-season test for ELMS (28/29 March) and the FIA WEC (1/2 April) at Monza in Italy.