LMP2

Introduction

A Le Mans Prototype (LMP) is the type of sports prototype race car used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series. Le Mans Prototypes were created by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). The technical requirements for an LMP include bodywork covering all mechanical elements of the car.

FIA WEC

The FIA World Endurance Championship is perhaps one of the most exciting world championships in the world right now. The FIA WEC is a world championship organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The series supersedes the ACO's former International Le Mans Cup which began in 2010 and is the first endurance series of world championship status since the demise of the World Sportscar Championship at the end of 1992. The World Endurance Championship name was previously used by the FIA from 1981 to 1985.

History

The inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship was held in 2012, featuring eight rounds across the globe with the 24 Hours of Le Mans forming the centrepiece. The timing was perfect, with Audi and Peugeot set to compete for a genuine manufacturers’ world championship and Toyota returning to the fold for the first time since the early 1990s. However, shortly before the season was due to kick off at Sebring, Peugeot dropped a major bombshell by withdrawing all of its motorsport programs. It seemed as if the FIA WEC could be doomed to failure before it had even started, but, building on the success of the ILMC, the FIA WEC has gone from strength to strength since that tough first season.

Then the FIA and the ACO have attempted to establish the World Endurance Championship as an independent series.

Season 9 will see the brand new Le Mans Hypercar replace the top tier LMP1 category, as well as a refreshed calendar for the 2020/2021 FIA WEC season. The six races, to be run in Europe, Asia, Middle East and America, allow the WEC’s manufacturers, teams and partners true intercontinental visibility at well-established venues in key regions around the world.

24 HOURS OF LE MANS

Held for the first time in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and most prestigious endurance racing event in the world. The event represents one leg of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, other events being the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. Unlike fixed distance races where the winner is determined by minimum time, the 24-Hours of Le Mans awards a win to the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours.

A new, exciting chapter in the history of Team WRT opens up: as from 2021 season, the Belgian squad will take part in the FIA World Endurance Championship, entering an Oreca 07 in the LMP2 class.

FIA WEC PROGRAM TEAM STRUCTURE