To understand what is happening, it is probably best to describe the situation in 2003 and the situation as it will be in 2006 and then fill in the gaps.

Ignoring the LM GTS and LM GT production based cars, which are not the subject of this article, there were three categories of Le Mans sports racer in 2003: LM P900, LM P675 and LM GTP. The idea was that they should be as equal as possible although the Reynard-based DBA design and the Lola B160/MG Lola EX 257 LM were the only LM P675s ever likely to challenge the LM P900s. The weight difference in kilograms between the two LMP classes was indicated in the names, the other differences being in brakes, engine power (585bhp and 485bhp respectively) and tyres. The LM GTP class also weighed 900 kg but was for closed cars, the last example being the Bentley Speed 8s that came first and second at Le Mans that year.  The main difference, apart from the enclosed cockpit was the maximum tyre width, 14 inches for the LM GTPs and 16 inches for the LM P900s.

An obvious change for 2004 was that there was no intention of the two new classes, LMP1 and LMP2, being equal. There is also no separate class for closed cars. As with LM P900, the 640bhp LMP1 class has a 900 kg minimum weight limit. However, LMP2's limit is set at 750 kg. The class is also restricted in engine power (530bhp) and has different brakes and tyres. The intention is that LMP2 cars should be cheaper and attractive to private entrants.

2003
LM P900 - 900kg, 585bhp, open cockpit
LM P675 - 675kg, 485bhp, open cockpit
LM GTP - 900kg, 585bhp, closed cockpit
(in theory all three classes had equal potential)

2004
LMP1 comprising:
LMP1 - 900kg, 640bhp
LMP1 hybrid - 2003 chassis with 2004 LMP1 aerodynamics 
LM P900, carbon chassis LMP 675 and LM GTP (all as above but with reduced fuel tank capacity and rear wing)

LMP2 comprising:
LMP2 - 750kg, 530bhp
LMP2 hybrid - 2003 chassis with 2004 LMP2 aerodynamics
LM P675 (aluminium chassis)

2005
LMP1 - as above but with further restrictions (weight penalty and smaller restrictor for LM P900 cars)
LMP2 - as above

2006
LMP1 comprising:
LMP1 - 900kg, 640bhp
LMP1 hybrid - 2003 chassis with 2004 LMP1 aerodynamics

LMP2 comprising:
LMP2 - 750kg, 530bhp
LMP2 hybrid - 2003 chasis with 2004 LMP2 aerodynamics

2007
LMP1 and LMP2 to 2004 regulations only

Prev | 1 2 3 | Next

Back to Documents