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ACO Confirms First Details of 2020 LMP3 Regulations

Initial details of second-generation LMP3 rules announced; four manufacturers confirmed…

Photo: MPS Agency

The ACO has released initial details of the second-generation set of LMP3 regulations, which come into force in 2020.

The prototype category’s first rules cycle will expire at the end of next year, after five seasons of competition in various championships including the European Le Mans Series, Michelin Le Mans Cup and IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda.

Chassis models from four manufacturers – Onroak Automotive (Ligier), Duqueine Automotive (Norma), ADESS AG and Ginetta – will be granted homologation for the new set.

The number is down two from the original group of six permitted LMP3 constructors that also included Ave-Riley and Dome.

An ACO statement said that the quartet was chosen on grounds of “cost control, driver-friendly operation, modernization, guaranteed service to the teams and closer competitiveness between the various models.”

It also confirmed that second-generation LMP3 cars will be the same as the current crop but “equipped with a kit chiefly designed to improve power and driver safety.”

Only minor bodywork modifications will be allowed, as the prototype formula continues to maximize cost effectiveness for entrants.

The new set of regulations will be active until the end of 2024.

“To ensure continuity, we needed to form solid foundations and build up a talent pool of new drivers with a feeder series that enables novices to take their first steps in endurance, and gain race experience without breaking the bank,” said ACO president Pierre Fillon.

“LMP3 seemed an obvious solution. And it has proved to be a sound decision.”

Further details including the cost of new LMP3 kits will be “published shortly.”

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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