LMP2

Introduction

A Le Mans Prototype (LMP) is the type of sports car used to compete in a multitude of races and championships, such as 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 and cover all mechanical elements of the car.

FIA WEC

The FIA World Endurance Championship is currently one of the most exciting championships in the world! The FIA WEC is organised 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.

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

Season 9 saw the brand new Le Mans Hypercar replace the top tier LMP1 category.

The seven races, to be run in Europe, Asia, Middle East and America, allowing 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.

History was made in 2021 as not only did Team WRT make their debut entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Belgian squad claimed the LMP2 championship title with their Oreca 07.

FIA WEC PROGRAM TEAM STRUCTURE