Date Clash Destroys Dutch LMP2 Plan
The calendar for the 2016 Formula One season has confirmed another impact on sportscar racing with the effective clash between the much anticipated Grand Prix on Baku’s classic race circuit in Azerbaijan and the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Media reports from Holland have confirmed that the potential LMP2 effort with a part WEC season and a Le Mans entry for Frits van Eerd, Jan Lammers and Jos Verstappen has fallen victim to the schedule. The team have had discussions with several prominent LMP2 teams about a collaboration but this will now be postponed.
Bahrain LMP1 Test Barney
At least one of the LMP1 factory teams has made it clear to the FIA WEC that they are unhappy with the driver selection by the ACO/ WEC for the post Bahrain race test. The teams were not involved directly in the selection process.
Cost Control Costs!
A new senior post at the ACO, with primary responsibility for cost control in the regulations for the FIA WEC, is to be funded by the three current full season LMP1 manufacturers we believe.
LMP2 Cost Cap Raised
The latest version of the LMP2 regulations details the increase in the cost cap for LMP2 that we flagged up on DSC some time ago.
The maximum price for an open top rolling chassis will be €388,500 in 2016 (€370k in 2015) with the current closed top cars priced at a maximum of €463,500 in 2016 (€450 k in 2015)
TDS Looking To GTE In 2016
After taking the GTC title in the 2015 European Le Mans Series, and with the category to no longer form a part of the main championship in 2016 with the advent of the Michelin GT3 LM Cup, TDS Racing are planning a move to the GTE category next year. The team were unwilling to reveal which car will feature for their entry.
Lombard Looking To Return
2011 Le Mans 24 Hours LMP2 class winner Olivier Lombard told DSC at Paul Ricard’s ELMS round that he was likely to be back in the Series next year with an LMP2 effort also aiming for Le Mans and that plan looks closer now to coming to fruition with an as yet un-named team.
