Dallara: “Totally Different Grounds” With New Gen LMP2

Photo: MPS Agency

Dallara is expecting “totally different grounds” with the new generation of LMP2 cars, with proper representation from “all four constructors” according to Max Angelelli.

Due to debut globally in 2024, the Italian constructor has begun work on the new generation prototype that will serve as the spine of its LMDh offering that’s set to roll out one year earlier.

“It’s clear cut,” Angelelli told Sportscar365. “You have to homologate a LMP2 car and you have to provide the market with your product. That’s going to be the same for us, for ORECA, for Ligier and Multimatic.

“I’m looking forward to going to the grid and having representation for all four constructors.”

Angelelli, who serves as a senior figure within the Italian constructor, said he’s not concerned of a repeat from the current LMP2 formula which has been largely dominated, both in wins and sales, by the Oreca 07 Gibson.

A lack of a Balance of Performance and only a single ‘Joker’ permitted within the homologation period ultimately rendered the Dallara P217 and Ligier JS P217 cars uncompetitive.

“I know the ACO guys and I believe everyone wants to see diversity,” Angelelli said. “I believe every one of us has learned a lesson. 

“I think the next LMP2 generation will start from totally different grounds. I believe we’ll see representation from all four constructors. 

“The ACO and IMSA will have enough data to make that happen properly. 

“The spine idea, the price cap, LMDh, LMP2… it’s all connected.

“We need to carry on down that path and make sure that in 2024 every constructor will have their product available to anyone that wants to buy and not be afraid of competition.”

Angelelli said there’s also been lessons learned on Dallara’s end, which entered the LMP2 market for the first time with the P217.

“It’s not really about regulations, it’s about experience and what has been learned,” he said.

“For us, LMP2 [in 2017] was our first real time. ORECA and Ligier had a lot more experience. 

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a top notch [company] or whatever, you have a hard lesson to learn.

“It’s about what you do to come back stronger. This is the mythology of what I’m seeing at Dallara. The comeback is going to be strong.”

While not revealing any technical details of the new LMP2 car, Angelelli said that both its base in Italy and satellite facility in Indianapolis will be able to assemble the cars, with the hope of attracting customer teams in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the first time.

The Dallara P217 made only a single start in IMSA competition, which came in this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona with Cetilar Racing. 

Angelelli Not Concerned By Hypercar, LMP2 Class Stratification

The former championship-winning driver said he has faith in the FIA and ACO to create a sufficient enough stratification between the top class and LMP2 once the new-gen LMP2 cars arrive in 2024.

The gap in performance between the new-for-2021 Le Mans Hypercar class and the current LMP2 category has remained a hot topic within the FIA World Endurance Championship paddock following its first two races of the season.

“I’m of the opinion that there are many, many brains that are looking at it and many, many simulations and inputs,” Angelelli said.

“I just trust those people that make the right decisions. They all have good data to make a good call.

“If they feel they don’t, then there’s constructors and manufacturers that can always reach out to them and get input and I know they do that.

“I’m very comfortable that everything will be fixed [in 2024].”

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