There were no major surprises on the 2017 ELMS calendar, announced officially yesterday, but Gerard Neveu was happy to explain to DSC the reasoning behind the major changes.
The pre-season test moves to Monza from it’s, until now Paul Ricard home, and also switches around with the FIA WEC Prologue, the European Series now times after the WEC’s on track test.
Both Italy and Portugal retain an ELMS date, though Monza takes the race from Imola and Portimao replaces Estoril for the season finale.
Monza then gets back a racing date we last saw back in 2008 with the Le Mans Series (above) with Portimao last hosting European Le Mans Series action in 2010 with a race into darkness (below).
“First of all I want to reflect on the efforts made by both Imola and Estoril. They made us very welcome, and have been good and willing partners for the series.
“The major issue for us though is that we now need a lot of accessible paddock space, not only for a larger ELMS grid but also for the Renault (and GT3) support series. Both Portimao and Monza can support that.
“Monza in particular gives us a likely better profile of event in Italy.”
It was already known that the ELMS polled the views of the teams on various matters earlier this year, and Neveu was keen to say that those views had been taken into account.
“Neither Estoril or Imola were amongst the team’s favourites. The teams liked the tracks but not as much as our other circuits. Portimao in particular have worked very hard to put together a package for us, including extensive work on the track to ensure that the bumps, which had been a problem, have been dealt with.”
And on the subject of a ‘cap’ of 40 cars, what is the thinking there and what kind of split do you expect in numbers?
“For the cap on numbers, the major driver is to ensure that we can maintain a very good level of service to the teams. Much beyond 40 then that becomes a challenge and we don’t want to compromise in that area.
“On the split it is too early to really say but I can say we are very encouraged by what we understand is coming on LMP2. If we get a number of older grandfathered cars alongside the new 2017 LMP2s then we will recognise their commitment with a separate podium and trophy for a sub-class winner.
“LMP3 is, of course already proving successful with some teams already looking to expand and/ or to step up to LMP2.
“I expect too a good number of GTE cars once again.”
And is there any news yet of whether the 2016 GTE cars will be allowed in to the ELMS GTE (and WEC GTE Am) class in 2017?
“There are final discussions underway. I hope we can announce something very soon.”
