IMSA Performance Eyeing Potential Move to LMP2

Photo: DPPI/ELMS

While having enjoyed success with Porsche since its formation ten years ago, one of France’s leading GT teams could end up making the step up to the prototype ranks in the not-too-distant future. (En Français)

IMSA Performance Matmut has outlined ambitions of moving into the cost-capped prototype ranks, although no time frame has been given.

“We’ve always had this desire,” team principal Franck Rava told Endurance-Info. “With the arrival of the closed-top LMP2s, why not? The cars are more accomplished.

“For us, the door on a prototype [program] does not close, and I would even say it opens. Ideally, it would be a LMP2 equipped with a Porsche motor!”

The two-time Le Mans class winners will field a pair of 997-based Porsche 911 GT3 RSRs in the European Le Mans Series this year, scaling back from a dual-season effort in the FIA WEC and ELMS last year.

While Porsche currently has no plans to supply customer engines in LMP2, the Rouen-based squad is in the process of restoring a Porsche 962, in what has been the team’s first experience with prototype machinery that Rava hopes will springboard into a proper effort.

Despite taking the GTE-Am class victory at Le Mans in 2013, the team currently has only one of its two requested entries confirmed for this year’s race. Erik Maris, Jean-Marc Merlin and Eric Helary will pilot the No. 67 Porsche.

IMSA Performance will also take part in the French GT Tour championship and Porsche Carrera Cup France this year.

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