ADAC, Creventic Launch German National LMP3 Series

The ADAC and Creventic have teamed up to launch a new national LMP3 series in Germany with official licensing from the ACO.

The Prototype Cup Germany is due to start next year with a four-round calendar consisting of races at Spa-Francorchamps, the Nürburgring, Lausitzring and Hockenheim.

It is aimed at teams that run LMP3 cars, although CN machinery will also be eligible.

The ADAC will work with Creventic, the 24H Series promoter, to run the championship after the German motoring association secured exclusive rights to the LMP3 class from the ACO which is responsible for the category’s technical rules.

“Interest in Le Mans prototypes has been growing steadily for many years, among drivers, teams and manufacturers,” said ADAC Sports President Dr. Gerd Ennser.

“Which is why we secured the exclusive rights to the LMP3 class, to establish the Le Mans prototypes in Germany in collaboration with our partner Creventic.

“With the Prototype Cup Germany, we will be offering drivers an exciting prospect and teams an interesting field of activity, including the attractive, strong media platform of the German GT championship [ADAC GT Masters].”

According to the ADAC, the Prototype Cup Germany is designed to be a “national addition” to the Michelin Le Mans Cup, with no date clashes between the two series.

A handful of prominent German race teams including Phoenix Racing, Black Falcon, Frikadelli Racing and Rinaldi Racing have recently launched LMP3 programs.

The Prototype Cup race format is expected to be similar to that of ADAC GT Masters, with two-driver crews competing in races that are set to last “around one hour”.

The opening round of the inaugural season is scheduled to take place on April 22-24 on the support bill for the Creventic-organized 12 Hours of Spa.

Round two will support the ADAC Truck Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, while the rest of the season will take place during ADAC GT Masters meetings.

The creation of a German LMP3 series follows attempts to establish national competitions for the formula in the U.K and Australia.

The category has been more successful in wider catchment areas such as Europe, in the Le Mans Cup and European Le Mans Series, and the U.S where LMP3s race in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the Prototype Challenge series.

“Endurance comprises several classes, among which LMP3 holds a special place,” said ACO President Pierre Fillon.

“Through its success in the European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup, as well as in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, it is an attractive proposition to foreign promoters.

“We are delighted by this licensing agreement with ADAC as it will help many teams and drivers make a long-term commitment to prototype racing.”

2022 Prototype Cup Germany schedule
April 22-24 – Spa-Francorchamps
July 15-17 – Nürburgring
Aug. 19-21 – Lausitzring
Oct. 21-23 – Hockenheim