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Chinese LMP3 Championship Under Development

Chinese LMP3 series under development for 2017…

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The LMP3 platform could soon be exported to China, with plans underway for the launch of a single-make championship with Ligier JS P3s for next year. (En Français)

Hong Kong-based motorsports promoter FRD Motorsports is organizing the proposed series, and has already taken delivery of its first chassis during this weekend’s Asian Le Mans Series season-opener in Zhuhai.

“My idea is to launch a series in China with 16 Ligier JS P3s” FRD founder and CEO Kenneth Ma told Endurance-Info. “I prefer to have a single chassis in the championship for the ease of operation, organizationally.”

Ma said the championship, featuring one-hour sprint races, could be run under the FRD Prototype Series name, with a proposed four-round calendar, including the season-opener and finale in Shanghai.

It would see a mix of Chinese and European drivers in a unique two-driver development format.

“It’s [been] 11 years of talk to bring a Chinese driver in Formula 1,” he aid. “I think the endurance racing is a good way to go highest level and LMP3 is the first building block.

“By combining a Chinese driver with a [European], it provides an opportunity for our youth to grow faster.”

Ma’s company, which serves as the organizer and promoter of the Asian Formula Renault Series and Clio Cup China Series, is targeting its proposed LMP3 series serves as a stepping stone for teams moving into the Asian Le Mans Series.

It has yet to discuss terms of a potential deal with the ACO, which holds the rights to the LMP3 name, technical regulations and intellectual property.

“LMP3 is a first step for me,” Ma said. “I still have to discuss terms with the ACO on how to organize things.

“I hope to make a link with the Asian Le Mans Series with the urge to bring FRD Motorsports to the 24 Hours of Le Mans as Chinese team.”

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

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