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The different classes
In taking part in the 2013 European Le Mans Series, the best endurance racing specialists in the world will be able to see how they measure up against their competitors. The meetings organised will become a rite of passage just as is the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
With the LMP1 category being reserved for the FIA World Endurance Championship, there will be two main classifications in the ELMS: Prototypes and GTs which are themselves sub-divided into LMP2, LMPC and LMGTE and GTC.
Introduction to LMP2 (Le MansPrototype2)
The "Le MansPrototypes2" class is effectively the premier class of the European Le Mans Series.The chassis and engine are free choice,drivers are professionals or amateurs.
The matrix of classes available in Endurance racing allows teams as well as drivers to progressively move on to higher levels.After an apprenticeship in the monotype LMPC formula competitors can move on to the LMP2 category. This ladder of progression has most notably allowed the Rebellion Racing and Strakka Racing teams to establish their credentials before entering LMP1.
Featuring open or closed cockpit cars, LMP2 is intended only for privateer teams and is independent of manufacturers. This category has similar characteristics to LMP1 (carbon monocoque chassis) while at the same time respecting strict cost criteria: chassis cost is capped at € 362,100; cost of engines is capped at € 78,750.
Finally, eachdriver line up mustbe made up of at least one "Silver"or "Bronze" rated driver.
LMP2 technical specifications:
- Minimum weight
- 900 kg
- Width of rear wing
- 1600 mm maxi
- Fuel tank capacity
- 75 litres
- Engine
- Max cylinders
- Cubic capacity
- Normally aspirated petrol
- 8
- 5000 cm3
- Turbo/supercharged petrol
- 6
- 3200 cm3
- Supercharged diesel
- By authorisation of Endurance Commission
- 2500 cm3
- Gearbox
- Max 6 gears + reverse
- Carbon brake discs max diameter
- 15" (380 mm)
- Overall length
- Max 4650 mm (including rear wing)
- Overall width
- 2000 max
- Wheels and tyres
- Max width
- 14"
- Max diameter
- 28"
Introduction to LMPC (Le Mans Prototype Challenge)
Launched in 2009 in order to give young drivers their first opportunity to drive a prototype, LMPC is reserved for Formula Le Mans chassis and constitutes the first rung on the endurance ‘ladder’ before moving up to LMP2 (then LMP1 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans or in the FIA WEC). Offered at a lower cost than the more senior categories (with engine, €240,000 plus taxes), FLM offers features and technical specifications that are close to the LMP2 reference. In 2013 the FLM cars will run alongside the LMP2s in the Prototypes classification.
For the LMGTE, LMPC and GTC classes, the composition of driver line-ups must adhere to the Drivers’ Categorisation List. A crew of 2 or 3 drivers must have no more than one Gold or Platinum rated driver.
LMPC technical specifications:
- Chassis
- ORECA FLM09
- Weight
- 900 kg
- Width of the rear wing
- 1990 mm
- Fuel tank capacity
- 85 l
- Engine
- V8 GM block
- Power
- 430 bhp
- Gearbox
- Xtrac -6 speed + reverse
- Brakes
- CarbonBrembo
- Tyres
- Michelin - Front 30/65 - 18
- Rear 31/71 - 18
Introduction to LMGTE (Grand Touring Endurance)
GT cars are part of the tradition of endurance races, most notably the 24 Hours of Le Mans.The GTE category remains the preserve of sports car manufacturers! The link between the track and theroadis very real.
To be homologated, a GTE (E forEndurance) must come from a road car of which at least 100 examples (25 for a "small manufacturer", 300 for a carbon chassis) have been produced. The "race"version must retain the basic shape of the production model from which it is derived. The location of the engine, its orientation and position must remain as per the base model. In ELMS the cars in this category must be at least one year old. The regulations for this category are based on the LMGTE Am technical regulations.
For the LMGTE, LMPC and GTC classes, the composition of driver line-ups must adhere to the Drivers’ Categorisation List. A crew of 2 or 3 drivers must have no more than one Gold or Platinum rated driver.
LMGTE technical specifications:
- Minimum weight
- 1245 kg
- Fuel tank capacity
- Min 50 litres
- Max 90 litres
- Engine
- Cubic Capacity (max)
- Normally aspirated
- 5500 cm3
- Turbocharged
- 4000 cm3
- Overall length
- 4800 mm
- Gearbox
- 6 gears max + reverse
- Wheels and tyres
- 14" max width
Introduction to GTC (Grand Touring Challenge)
A true launch pad for entrants wishing to move into GT endurance racing, the Grand Touring Challenge class will, in 2013, include FIA GT3 homologated cars.
GTC is principally aimed at amateur drivers, with cars close to production models. The onus is on each manufacturer to develop its car and to definitely homologate the vehicle with the FIA. The car cannot be developed during the season by its tuner and teams are limited are limited in what they are allowed to modify. At each round, the scrutineers must verify that the car conforms to the homologated version or to any adjustments made by the FIA.
A for the LMGTE and LMPC classes, the GTC composition of driver line-ups must adhere to the Drivers’ Categorisation List. A crew of 2 or 3 drivers must have no more than one Gold or Platinum rated driver.
Technical data for the 2013 GTC entries will be coming soon