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LM P1 Category

Presentation of the LM P1 category

The LM P1 class (Le Mans Prototype 1) has always represented a test bench for new technologies and is especially in 2014 through the implementation of the new technical regulations from the ACO and the FIA.

Until 2013, an LM P1 car was an open or closed car with no production minimum required. It is now a closed car only.

Moreover, there was only one LM P1 class before 2014. It has now been split into two parts:

Le Mans Prototype 1 Light (LM P1-L): with no energy recovery system and reserved only for privateers;
Le Mans Prototype 1 Hybrid (LM P1-H): with mandatory energy recovery system which feeds back the energy harvested.

Minimum weight (with no driver and no fuel onboard):

	LM P1-L	LM P1-H
MINIMUM WEIGHT	850 kg	870 kg
GAS ENGINE CUBIC CAPACITY	5 500 cm³ max	Free
DIESEL ENGINE CUBIC CAPACITY	5 500 cm³ max	Free

LM P2 Category

Presentation of the LM P2 category

Staging ground for the top category, the « little prototype » class (LM P2) is also open for diversity : a choice of chassis and engine types, professional and gentleman drivers, etc.

The « endurance » path exists to support the advancement of teams as well as drivers to progress to the highest levels. After an apprenticeship in prototype racing in the LM PC class (available in the European Le Mans Series and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in USA), entrants move up to the LM P2 category. This vision has recently supported Rebellion Racing (vice Champions ELMS 2009) to perfect their execution before moving up to LM P1.

LM P2 cars have similar characteristics to LM P1 (carbon-fiber monocoque chassis) while respecting very strict cost controls : chassis cost is capped at 370,000 € ; engine cost is capped at 80,350 €. In 2014, the engines (Nissan, Honda, Judd) and several chassis (Oreca, Morgan, Zytek, Honda, Dome, Ligier, Alpine, etc.) are available making for myriad possible combinations.

Finally, every driver lineup of 2 or 3 drivers must include at least one pilot of amateur or gentleman standing (Silver or Bronze license class).

MINIMUM WEIGHT	900 kg
FUEL VOLUME	75 liters	Turbocharged
ENGINE	Cylinders	Cylinders max
Atmospheric	8	5 000 cc max
Turbocharged	6	3 200 cc max

LM GTE Pro Category

Presentation of the LM GTE Pro category

Porsche in 2010, Corvette in 2011, Ferrari in 2012… The GTE Pro category remains a class dominated by the world’s top sports car brands. The connection between performance on the track and the street has never been more real.

Grand Touring cars are synonymous with the tradition of the 24 Heures du Mans… because, since its creation in 1923, this endurance test has welcomed cars essentially straight from the showroom. Re-introduced in 1993, the GT class ensures a diverse spectacle on course and can also present some great surprises such as the 1995 edition where the McLaren F1 GTR, derived from the street car, won overall.

To be homologated, a GTE car (E for Endurance) must be adapted from a series production car with at least 100 production examples (25 for a « boutique constructor », 300 for a car using a carbon-fiber chassis). The racing version must preserve the original body lines of the street car from which it is derived. The motor must remain in the same placement and orientation in the car, but may be moved rearward in the engine bay for cars with a minimum of 2500 examples produced in a 12 month period.

The « Pro » suffix designates the class reserved for professionals. Often, these cars are entered and supported officially by their respective manufacturers. There are no restrictions on the driver lineup, which can be comprised of three « Platinum » drivers (with international pedigree).

MINIMUM WEIGHT	1 245 kg
FUEL VOLUME	90 litres
ENGINE	Cylinders max
Atmospheric	5 500 cc max
Turbocharged	4 000 cc max

LM GTE Am Category

Presentation of the LM GTE Am category

Even as the sport has become more and more professional since 1923, Le Mans has never closed the door to participation from « gentleman drivers. » Since 2011, there is now a category reserved for their participation.

As always, amateur drivers race alongside and wheel to wheel with professionals at the 24 Heures du Mans. From Paul Newman to Patrick Dempsey, and including Jean-Claude Killy, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Steve Fossett, Paul Belmondo, Nick Mason from Pink Floyd, David Hallyday or Luc Alphand, many celebrities have tried this experiment with varying degrees of success.

Technically, the cars of the GTE Am class align closely with the regulations of the GTE Pro class, but cars in GTE Am must be at least one year old. With this rule, these cars will not benefit from the lastest technical evolutions, keeping costs in check.

MINIMUM WEIGHT	1 245 kg
FUEL VOLUME	90 liters
ENGINE	Cylinders max
Atmospheric	5 500 cc max
Turbocharged	4 000 cc max

Garage 56

Presentation of the Garage 56

In 2012, the Nissan Deltawing inaugurated Garage 56, a new concept of a « green » entry sure to become famous in years to come.

The initiative comes from an awareness of history : to encourage the development of new technologies, the most spectacular testing laboratory is offered, the 24 Heures du Mans. Even if the car chosen by the selection committee does not correspond to the current regulations, it must still meet certain safety and performance criteria.

In 2012, the Nissan Deltawing showed that a motor half as powerful could be competitive when combined with half the weight and a new aerodynamic configuration – the deltawing.
Keep your eyes on the future, watching for the next breakthrough from Garage 56 in 2013 !

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