Over the Red Bull Ring round of the ELMS, the ACO has unveiled there intentions for a new prototype category for the ELMS and the Asian LMS called LMP3. The new LMP3 class will be the new entry level prototype class for endurance racing, with the ACO hoping it will be used as a stepping stone for teams and driver to move up through on there way to LMP 2 and LMP 1. They are also hoping established LMP teams will take on a LMP3 car and use it as a junior team to develop new young drivers.
The new category has been outlined by the ACO with the following points:
- Performance aimed to be around 2 secs faster than the LMGTE cars
- LMP3 will be closed coupe designs
- Estimated budget for a full season between 350k-400k Euros (£277k to £316k).
- Low maintenance and low budget cost cap of 195,000 Euros for a complete package (£154,000)
- Minimum of six year rules stability. Updates possible every three years
- Crash tested as per LMP1/2 cars
- Bodywork as per LMP1/2 cars with shark fin, openings in front arches,etc
- Magnetti Marelli engine and gearbox electronic management
- ORECA supplied engine, most likely a V8 pushing 420BHP
- Car can be run by a minimum of just 4 Mechanics
The Regulations for the new LMP3 category are expected to be locked down within the next few weeks, ready for manufacturers to build there new cars for the start of the 2015 season. Regarding the rubber the LMP3’s will use, it has been confirmed they will run on a spec tyre to keep costs down but the ACO is still in talk with different tyre manufactures as to who the supplier will be. For now this is more or less all that is known, but more is expected to be released within a few weeks.
