Formula Le Mans Becomes LMPC

The single make Formula Le Mans Oreca FLM09 first hit the track in 2009 as the ACO looked to put in place a ladder series in endurance sportscar racing.

Since then the cars have established themselves in more limited numbers as a class in their own right  in both the Le mans Series and the ALMS.

2012 though will see the category take another step forward with the creation of a new “Trophy”, a new look car and a new name (in Europe at least)

"The ACO wanted to create a true ladder series for endurance, like that which exists in open wheel racing. That is a reality today: Karting, Proto-School ACO, Formula Le Mans, LMP2 and LMP1,” explains Pierre Fillon, vice president of the ACO.

To take the ACO’s “ladder” up another rung a new Trophy will reward the championship winning drivers and teams at the end of the 2012 Le Mans Series season – composed of five to six race of 6 hours in duration.

“Formula Le Mans is now an integral part of the step ladder,” underlines Hugues de Chaunac. “It’s both an excellent school and incredible leveller of talent. That said, we want to make it even more attractive and help drivers and teams to take the next step. This is why many new initiatives are being presented.”

The winning team will receive an invitation to the LMP2 class for the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours. The winning drivers will be honoured a 45,000 € prize (to be shared amongst the drivers) to aid in an LMP1 or LMP2 drive in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition, the first three finishers from each race will receive prizes in the form of spare parts or Michelin tyres.

As in 2011, the Formula Le Mans competitors will also have the chance to run on the 24 Hours of Le Mans track during the Test Day with first time drivers also having the opportunity to complete their mandatory laps ahead of an eventual participation in the 24 Hours.”

Also starting in 2012, the FLM car will be fitted with the shark fin but the cost of purchasing and running the car will remain capped at 260,000€, motor included with the ORECA-FLM 09 is homologated for the next three seasons: 2012, 2013, 2014.

A final major change is thaqt for 2012 the Le Mans Series cars will be re-dubbed LMPC.

Hugues de Chaunac: “Before, there were LMP1 and LMP2. Now the LMPC, Le Mans Prototype Challenge will be running alongside. It makes sense and solidifies the class both in Europe and in America, where the name has been used for several years.” 

“The 2011 ALMS championship is fantastic, the races are hotly contested and exciting to watch. We are in constant contact with the ALMS and IMSA, whose hard work should be recognised. IMSA has also shown the desire to create a ladder series and an announcement will be made before the season’s end. The goal, regardless of the continent is to keep moving forward.”