ELMS rules

Limited to “Le Mans Prototype” and “Le Mans Grand Tourer” type cars, the European Le Mans Series features four categories: LMP2, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP3 and LMGT3. Each year, titles are awarded to the drivers and teams topping the standings in each of the three classes. The winners of each category also obtain an invitation to participate in the next year 24h of Le Mans. Inaugurated in 2021, the LMP2 Pro/Am class is restricted to crews containing at least one FIA Bronze category driver.

LMP2

Feeder category to the top-tier FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class, LMP2 is the highest category in the ELMS and is very popular with independent teams. This is due to both its high-level performances (carbon-fibre monocoque chassis supplied by Dallara, Ligier Automotive, Oreca or Riley Tech/Multimatic and Gibson 4.2-litre, 536hp, normally-aspirated V8 engine) and its controlled costs. Goodyear is the category’s sole tyre manufacturer. Lastly, each crew must include at least one FIA Silver category driver.

LMP3

Seen as a way for drivers to cut their teeth in Endurance racing, the LMP3 class is the first step for those looking to learn about driving a prototype. The LMP3 Gen3 are set to make their competitive début this year in the European Le Mans Series. Whilst the chassis of the next-gen prototypes will be provided by the same four manufacturers (Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta and Adess), the engine is now a Toyota 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 developing some 470 horsepower. Michelin is the designated tyre supplier.

LMGT3

The LMGT3 class, now known under the name Le Mans Cup Grand Touring Car, is a set of regulations maintained by the ACO and the FIA for GT type racing cars designed to be used in ACO/FIA motor racing series. The LMGT3 cars are based on production road car models that are built and marketed at the time of homologation.

Cars eligible for the LMGT3 class must be built by a partner manufacturer recognised by the ACO/FIA, comply with the GT3 Group technical regulations and conform to the specifications of the technical regulations.

LMGT3 cars must comply with the specific homologation form completed by the manufacturer and approved by the ACO/FIA.

For the LMGT3 class, the composition of the crews must comply with the driver categorisation list. A crew of two or three drivers must have a Bronze category driver and no more than one Gold or Platinum rated driver.