Next-gen LMP2 manufacturers set

The ACO revealed which bidder applications have been successful for the next-gen LMP2 chassis and powertrain today at its annual pre-Le Mans press conference.

For the chassis, ORECA and Ligier have been selected, with the ACO opting to create a competitive marketplace rather than reduce the number of suppliers from the current four to one.

RACER understands that neither Multimatic nor Dallara submitted bids, a change in the initial intention of the Italian company. Bids from Tatuus, Lola and Podium Engineering are understood to have been in play but were not selected.

The new chassis, which are expected to cost around 450,000 Euros ($518,000) each before spares, are set to be designed to a set of dimensions that will make them slightly longer, wider and heavier than the current ORECA 07s competing around the world to the 2017 ruleset.

As for the powertrain, existing engine supplier Gibson Technology has been successful in its bid with a consortium of other suppliers. In doing so, it looks to have beaten off potentially stiff competition from a number of other bodies.

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“For the engine we are talking about stability once again. We chose Gibson technology to fit the cars with the engines," said FIA Endurance Commission President Richard Mille. "Gibson all these years have proven its professionalism and huge performance and client services. It was important for us to be consistent when it comes to the parameters of the performance and measure them efficiently. The only difference is that these engines will be turbocharged.”

Hugues de Chaunac, president of the ORECA Group, added: “We wish to thank the FIA and ACO for their continued trust. This new selection recognizes our dedication and the experience we have acquired across more than 10 years in LMP2. We put all our expertise into preparing this tender with the goals of supporting the evolution of the category and offering a strong and reliable platform adaptable to future challenges. We turn now to the regulatory preparations that await us with the FIA ​​and ACO to finalize the outline of this new generation of LMP2.”

IMSA will also adopt the new LMP2 regulations as soon as they come into force from 2028 to 2032.

"LMP2 is a key part of our alliance. We are committed to that, we've seen such a nice lift in that championship," IMSA President John Doonan told RACER. "That will continue, the new car will continue, and we'll continue to work with Pierre (Fillon) with his team on the timing for that. We'd love to align with 2028 if everyone is ready to go by Daytona that year."

Meanwhile, FIA WEC CEO Frederic Lequien indicated that the class will continue to at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the foreseeable future.

"We still consider that our DNA in the WEC is to have a mix of GT cars and prototypes. I must also remind and make clear that LMP2 will still be eligible at Le Mans, no matter how many Hypercar entries we have," Lequien said. "15 P2 entries minimum."