2023 Goodbyes: FIA WEC LMP2

With the boom in numbers of the Hypercar class and huge demand too for manufacturers wishing to become part of the new-for-2024 LMGT3 class, something had to give in the FIA WEC.

Very sadly, for now at least, that will mean the end of LMP2 in the FIA World Endurance Championship as a full-season class. 2024 will be the first season with no LMP or GTE class in its history, which dates back to 2012.

The LMP2 class has provided not only fantastic racing, but also a proving ground for aspirant and emerging teams and drivers.

Of the 2024 FIA WEC Hypercar teams, Duqueine, JOTA, WRT, Signatech, AF Corse, Proton and Penske all served time in LMP2 before entering the world championship’s top class. Six of the 2024 LMGT3 teams are also previous or current LMP2 squads.

Indeed only two 2023 LMP2 teams from the FIA WEC will not feature on the grid in some regard next season, with both Inter Europol and Vector Sport carrying on in the ELMS LMP2 category. The latter came close to competing in Hypercar, but was controversially removed from the Isotta Fraschini programme.

The racing has often been top draw, particularly in recent years, with the well-matched ORECA Gibson packages forcing teams to up their game on the driving, engineering and strategy fronts.

LMP2 teams will continue to contest the Le Mans 24 Hours with at least 15 cars going forward, drawn from the boosted ELMS, IMSA and Asian Le Mans Series fields.

FIA WEC LMP2 Champions

2012 – Starworks Motorsport, HPD ARX 03b Honda