Following a two-month selection process, the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest), IMSA and the FIA have chosen the four constructors who will supply chassis for the cars that will compete in LMP 2 beginning in 2017, when the category’s new regulations come into force.
The four constructors are: Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca (above) and a joint-venture between Riley Tech and Multimatic. The announcement follows the ACO announcing the main guidelines of the 2017 LM P2 regulation, designed with the aim of ensuring long-term success for the category based around ‘a reduction in costs, the guarantee of stability in the regulations and the intention to bring the performance of the cars in the category closer to those of the current LM P1s’.
In ACO and FIA governed series, LM P2 cars will be powered by a single engine manufacturer to be selected this September. Whilst in the IMSA-sanctioned Tudor Championship, Prototypes will be powered by engines from a variety of manufacturers and the chassis will include manufacturer-specific styling elements.
The target horsepower for cars in all series is approximately 600bhp, and an Adjustment of Performance process will be used to ensure competitive balance. The ACO, FIA and IMSA also will select a single electronics supplier for all cars this September.
“The FIA is very happy to see such a significant achievement of this new era for LM P2 and sports cars,” commented Jean Todt, FIA President. “The FIA, ACO and IMSA have agreed to the unification of sports cars so that the same cars and same teams can race on both sides of the Atlantic. This is further evidence of the FIA’s continuing efforts to pave the way for more sustainable sport and keep costs under control – in this instance working with strong partners during the process.
“Safety has also been at the core of these new LM P2 regulations; they will integrate all of the knowledge that we have developed through current LM P1 regulations, with new requirements such as utilising a closed cockpit, rear crash test and wheel tethers.”
