New LMP2 format for 2017 announced with chassis limits, one engine

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest, which writes the rules for the category together with the FIA, has stated that a limited number of manufacturers will be granted licences to produce P2 cars as part of a plan to reduce costs when new regulations come into force for 2017.

It has not confirmed that it intends to limit that number to four, with one spot to be reserved for a North American manufacturer, and stated that it will announce full details of the class during the week of the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.

A statement from the ACO read: "With the number of different chassis currently available to customer teams - some manufacturers supplying just one or two cars - the cost per car is far higher than for, say, a manufacturer supplying 10 cars to several teams.

"By limiting the number of manufacturers, the business case is far more sustainable for the supply of cars, plus teams will receive a better quality product with lower associated maintenance and operational costs."

The focus of the new regulations is on reducing running costs rather than the purchase price of machinery in the cost-capped class.

It is believed that the ACO has a target price fo €500,000 — up from the current €450,000 for coupes — for a rolling chassis.

ACO president Pierre Fillon said the aim was to reduced the costs of running a car by "20 per cent".

The new category will mandate a single engine supplier in the World Endurance Championship and the European and Asian Le Mans Series, although multiple engine manufacturers will be allowed in the Tudor United SportsCar Championship when it adopts the new P2 rules for its Prototype class in 2017.

Tyre competition manufacturers will be allowed in the WEC and, most likely, the ELMS.