The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has announced the creation of an entry-level prototype category, starting in the Asian Le Mans and European Le Mans 2015 seasons.
The LMP3 class will give teams and drivers a low-cost ensemble, allowing them to make their prototype debut in endurance racing with a car similar to an LMP machine. The category will be used in the AsLMS and ELMS, providing a second prototype category to go with the blue riband LMP2 category.
The exact specifications for LMP3 will be announced by the ACO in the coming weeks, taking into account a single engine gearbox and a single tyre manufacturer, while all constructors and manufacturers are free to build their own chassis.
The class’ level of performance will be between LMP2 and LM GTE Am, with a turnkey sales price fixed at €150,000. The regulations will also implement the lowest running costs possible utilising a capped price of spare parts, use of a single engine-gearbox power train per season and a limited number of hard-wearing tyres.
LMP3 will replace Formula Le Mans, commonly known as Le Mans Prototype in America, although LMPC will continue to be run in the United SportsCar Championship.
