2015 ELMS Regulations Released

Photo: ELMS

The European Le Mans Series has revealed changes to its sporting regulations for 2015, largely based around the arrival of the new LMP3 class.

The new junior prototype class will make its worldwide debut in the season-opening Four Hours of Silverstone in April, with driver pairings, drive times and pit stop regulations all finalized.

Platinum-rated drivers will be allowed to race in LMP3, but only when paired with one or two Bronze-rated pilots. There’s also the possibility of having one Gold-rated driver with one Silver or Bronze, or two Bronze in the class.

A minimum pit stop time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds, timed from pit entry to pit exit, will be enforced, with a 1-minute and 30-second time allowed for refueling and/or driver change only. Additionally, Only one refueling tower will be allowed per two-car LMP3 team.

Gold and Platinum drivers will face a maximum drive time of 1 hour and 40 minutes, with Bronze and Silver drivers needing to complete 2 hours and 20 minutes each in the case of a two-driver lineup or 40 minutes for three-driver lineups.

Changes, meanwhile, have been made to the drive times in LMP2 and GTC (details here), the series will announce a spec tire for the GTE and GTC category by the end of the year. Michelin served as the exclusive tire provider this year.

Invites to the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans will again be rewarded to the champions in LMP2, GTE, GTC and LMP3, the latter being subject to a minimum three-car full season entry. The runner up in GTE will also receive an an entry, with invites given to GTC and LMP3 competitors for use in GTE-Am and LMP2, respectively.

Additionally, the winning drivers of the LMP3 category will receive a LMP2 test with a Nissan junior team.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John