ACO outlines rationale for new LMP2 rules

The organisation is expected to reveal further details of key suppliers for the category in race week at Le Mans.

The consultation process for the new-look category in 2017 has begun.

The ACO set out a five point plan which set out aims for the class, these are:

• A better car for a lower budget
• Fair and close competition
• A proper business model to build and run cars in LM P2
• Protection from unfair competition or technology
• A universal category allowing teams to run an LM P2 car in the Asian Le Mans Series, in the European Le Mans Series and in the TUDOR United Sports Car Championship, with some specific exceptions required by IMSA, and on the world stage in the WEC and at the 24 Heures du Mans. 

Four chassis 'licences' to build LMP2 cars is believed to still be the ACO's preferred course of action. A single engine has also been initially approved by the FIA after last months World Motorsports Council meeting but this will not be carried over to TUSC.

It is widely understood as well that there will be choice on tires from 2017 and that the regulations governing rubber supply will be largely unchanged. The existing regulations which date back to 2004 will be updated for the 2017 season.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest said: "Twenty-one engine manufacturers were consulted about the best way to reduce costs and the universal opinion was that the only effective way forward was to have a single supplier.

"This was recently announced by the World Motorsport Council and the tender process for this will begin in the summer.

"We are also pursuing this same economy of scale for the electronics (unique equipment) and chassis (a limited number of constructors) while being careful to keep the variety of different cars which is so important for our fans," continued Fillon.

"The initial objective is to reduce the technical costs in LM P2 by 20% (this figure to be confirmed once the discussions within the technical working groups to define the details of the new regulations are finalised) without affecting the quality of the racing and also to build cars that can be raced in America, Europe and Asia.

"We are going to make sure the LM P2 category provides the best solution for teams and drivers wishing to compete in a Le Mans Prototype in endurance racing for many more years to come."