The ELMS calendar 

During the official presentation of the European Le Mans Series calendar, ELMS head Gérard Neveu clarified a few points.

Two types of LM P2s will compete next year in the European Le Mans Series: the current LM P2s and the new generation LM P2s, which boast an additional 100 horsepower. It has been decided two separate standings will debut in 2017: one of the current LM P2s and one for the new LM P2s.

More information about the 2017 season will be released at the European Le Mans Series finale at Estoril in Portugal taking place October 21-23, 2016.

A maximum of 40 cars will be accepted per race next year, a total reached by the organizers.

The 2017 European Le Mans Series meetings will be in tandem with the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup and Renault Sport.

Additional testing for the new Ligier JS P217

During the official presentation of the Ligier JS P217 compliant with the 2017 LM P2 regulations, Jacques Nicolet specified additional testing will be taking place in Europe then in the U.S. at the end of the year. Three top-tier drivers participated in the development of the new car: Oliver Pla, Luis Felipe "Pipo" Derani and Julien Canal. He also said the 50th Ligier JS P3 will be delivered in the coming days in China. Quite the success for this car.

Endurance, a good discipline

Frédéric Vasseur, head of competition for Renault Sport Racing, is on-site this weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. He described endurance as such: "All parents dream of Formula 1 and of world champion for their kids. Meanwhile, a French driver goes into Formula 1 every four or five years. Endurance is a good outlet for these young drivers, it can give them a second career and even allow them to return to single-seaters thereafter. Drivers like Loïc Duval (Audi Sport - Ed.) and Nicolas Lapierre (Alpine - Ed.) would certainly have a spot in Formula 1."

Vasseur, also involved with Renault Sport Formula 1 team, has said he will follow closely what happens with Alpine in endurance. "It's the same house, we're following closely what's going on."

Photo copyright: DPPI