The 2023 Rolex 24 Hours is set to see a substantial injection of European entries into the LMP2 class.
TDS Racing look set to bring two cars for the full IMSA LMP2 season with crews built around Bronze-rated Francois Heriau and Steven Thomas. Heriau is set to test with TDS at Portimao during the three day post-ELMS finale test days.
Update – TDS Racing have, this morning, confirmed Steven Thomas.
Steven Thomas: “I got into a race car for the first time in January 2019, and it’s been a fast climb. Being on the pole a few times and having the fastest average lap among the Bronze-ranked drivers in most races has been very satisfying. TDS Racing is recognized as one of the best LMP2 teams in the world, and I look forward to the challenge with them in 2023.”
Xavier Combet: “We are pleased to start this new chapter with Steven, who is very much welcome at TDS Racing.
“I am very keen to seeing him in our car and I’m confident that with Steven and Francois we will have two competitive cars for 2023”
Algarve Pro Racing are also currently hoping to field at least a single car for the full US season alongside a planned return to the FIA WEC. A third car is in play too, the Portuguese team hoping to add a second to the WEC effort if possible with a return to the ELMS also possible.
AF Corse look likely to join the Michelin Endurance Cup with an LMP2 effort for Francois Perrodo (likely with two new team-mates) alongside his planned ELMS LMP2 Pro AM campaign. Even if the four race IMSA programme doesn’t happen, Daytona looks almost certain.
And Racing Team Turkey seem certain to commit to the Rolex 24 Hours alongside a currently likely (but as yet unconfirmed) ELMS Pro-Am return for Salih Yoluc.
There is at least one other major European team that is evaluating an early season IMSA Enduro programme in LMP2.
High Class Racing who have put their 2022 IMSA car and equipment up for sale team maintain that an IMSA effort with their other ORECA is still in their plans.
Counted against that influx is the current significant uncertainty over the racing future of TDS’s 2022 US customer, Racing Team Nederland in the wake of the ongoing Dutch investigation into money laundering allegations involving a business associate of the team owner.
DSC understands too that the IMSA enduro LMP2 programme for United Autosports is unlikely to continue into 2023.
