Le Mans organiser ACO backs UK LMP3 championship for 2017

The ACO, which regulates the LMP3 sportscar division, has partnered with British firm Bute Motorsport to rebadge its fledgling Prototype Cup series as the LMP3 Cup Championship.

The deal will allow Bute to officially use the LMP3 title in Britain.

Alongside the naming rights, the ACO will award the series champion with a package of entry fees for the full pan-European Le Mans Cup class in 2018, which also includes the Road to Le Mans event that supports the 24 Hours in June.

The total prize package is worth in excess of £40,000.

ACO sporting director Vincent Beaumesnil said: "It is very gratifying to see that the LMP3 formula developed by the ACO has grown so fast.

"It now has a global footprint and the addition of a UK championship will only help to spread that wider.

"We have been in discussions with the organisers at Bute Motorsport for some time and are very happy that they will develop the championship to its fullest potential."

The LMP3 Cup Championship will operate for homologated LMP3 machines from the six designated constructors - Ligier (Onroak Automotive), Ginetta, Riley Technologies, Adess AG, Dome and Norma.

Organisers held a preview race at Snetterton last year, which attracted eight cars.

The 2017 series has already attracted interest from several top teams, including United Autosports, Douglas Motorsport, Graff Racing, Tockwith and the new Mectech/RML partnership.

The LMP3 Cup Championship will run a six-round calendar this year, featuring five UK circuits plus a race at Spa-Francorchamps the weekend before Le Mans.