[Sportscar & GT Champs] 2017 WEC, WSCC, Blancpain etc.

[erwin greven]

LMP2 In 2017, Who’s Coming, Who Isn’t!

Part 1: FIA WEC

Strong demand but several programmes still unconfirmed



With the advent of the new spec LMP2, four approved chassis suppliers and, in the FIA WEC and ELMS a c.600bhp Gibson V8 engine its all change in the Junior LMP class

Here’s the first of three articles over the next couple of days looking at the prospective LMP2 fields in the FIA WEC. ELMS and in IMSA’s Weathertech Sportscar Championship.

The situation has been very fast moving in recent weeks and months with new and revised potential takers for the now formula coming and going in rapid order. Prepare then to see some programmes listed here disappear, and others emerge to bolster the total. prepare in particular for n element of double counting as the teams grapple for the available customers.

Championship organisers expect the eventual total to be into double figures, but as you’ll see below that still leaves quite a range of potential final totals.

ART Grand Prix

Long linked with a move to the FIA WEC in LMP2 DSC is now 100% certain that an ART Grand Prix LMP2 programme is being actively marketed with potential customers in the wake of the cessation of the team’s DTM programme.

The effort certainly would feature Dallara chassis and, we believe, may now see a link-up with SMP Racing for the 2017 season. (Unconfirmed but 1-2 Dallaras looking likely)

DAMS

Another single-seater powerhouse looking towards an LMP2 programme but, as confirmed some weeks ago by Championship insiders DAMS will not now be coming until 2018 at the earliest

Greaves Motorsport

Are in active negotiations with potential customers for both ELMS and WEC campaigns. Nothing to announce yet but the driver marketplace is red hot at the moment, and several teams are looking at testing (rather than sim) data very closely (1 x Dallara or Ligier Possible)

Jota Sport/ G-Drive Racing

As in previous year the G-Drive backing is determined by Roman Rusinov’s continued Silver ranking and will likely take some time to confirm.



With or without that Jota Sport are looking to secure a two car effort, most likely with Oreca chassis, for 2017 (Two x Oreca 07 Possible)

KCMG

After looking almost a stone-cold certainty for a return to the FIA WEC after an LMP2 sabbatical this season (with the exception of Le Mans) things have gone very quiet from Paul Ip’s 2015 Le Mans winning squad. Famously private, that doesn’t necessarily mean no programme – For now though this one is in the ‘Possible’ rather than ‘Likely’ folder. A Dallara looks the most likely option here if it happens (1 x Dallara Possible)



Manor

After a traumatic start to their WEC adventure following the Brembo braking saga Manor are in consolidation mode..

Graeme Lowden et al are working hard to be back with a two car, Oreca chassis effort in 2017 (2 x Oreca 07s Likely)



Mondini/ Morand

Initially expected to emerge in the ELMS with a new LMP2 effort, the combination of 2016 Eurointernational LMP3 driver Giorgio Mondini and serial LMP entrant Benoit Morand now looks set for a tilt at the FIA WEC.

Chassis selection is as yet unknown with the EuroInternational end known to favour a Dallara chassis, Morand still having links with the Onroak organisation despite a somewhat checkered recent racing past, and Mondini having campaigned a Ligier JS P3 this season. (1 x Dallara or Ligier Likely)

MP Motorsport

One of the ‘bubbling under’ prospects, the Dutch based GP2 squad are another taking a close look, Dallara again the likely chassis – Currently unknown as to whether they’ll push the button, and if so whether that will be for 2017 or, as with Dams, wait until 2018! (Possible)

Rebellion Racing

Moving down from LMP1 Privateer the Swiss flagged, UK based squad have confirmed their acquisition of a pair of Oreca 07s for an as yet unconfirmed 2017 programme.



As always Le Mans is at the hub of their ambitions and therefore at least one of those cars will be dedicated to a full season of FIA WEC action. Logic suggests that the second car may be entered on a race by race basis with Rebellion likely to wish to also have a presence in IMSA’s Blue Riband endurance events where the team has enjoyed past success (1-2 Oreca Likely)

RGR Racing

After a successful first season on the racing front the team had made clear that they were moving rapidly towards a return, and a possible/ likely second car, certainly DSC is aware that this is being actively marketed with Julien Canal heavily linked to any second car effort.



More recent public statements about the difficulty for ‘real’ Silver Amateur drivers in the FIA WEC have poured some cold water here. We still expect the impressive newcomers to return (1-2 Ligier JS P217s Likely)

Signatech Alpine

No firm information is emerging from Signatech at present, though Alpine’s return is now assured for 2017 after a dominant 2016 campaign from the team.



DSC believes though that a switch to Dallara chassis is now highly likely, and that, if a two car effort is to be fielded then a new customer will need to be sourced after a poor year for the #35 crew. (One Car all but confirmed, a second possible, Dallara Chassis likely)

SMP Racing

See above for the possible collaboration with ART Grand Prix, this now the most likely programme for the Russian flagged organisation that will be forced to park it’s fleet of current BR01 chassis after the 2016 season if it wishes to race competitively in the FIA WEC and/ or ELMS,

TDS Racing

Expect an announcement soon of TDS expanding their LMP2 programmes to a car for the full season in the FIA WEC (1 x Oreca likely)



Others

Much is up in the air at the moment around the potential 2017 berths for one or two current LMP2 customers from the 2016 WEC and ELMS.

There is certainly the near certainty of an additional Oreca team, this effort potentially a two car affair, to add into the mix that might have an impact on the stated plans for at least one team on the list above (and below!).

Sean Galeal and his Jagonya Ayam KFC family backing have seen early success in the WEC after their were slotted in to the vacant second ESM Ligier. No sign yet though of whether the team will return for 2017 either as a standalone effort, or as customers for one of the two car teams.



Of the remainder of the 2016 FIA WEC field Strakka Racing move to Blancpain GT with a multi car McLaren effort, and ESM shift to IMSA racing with their Nissan engined DPi programme.

Summary

• Dallara – 3-6 Possible
  Ligier – 1-2 Likely
  Oreca – 4-7 Likely

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/11/1 ... a-wec.html

[erwin greven]

Mercedes-AMG to Debut in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2017



Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Mercedes-AMG today confirmed a multiple-car, customer racing program that will bring the manufacturer into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the first time beginning with the 2017 season. Mercedes-AMG GT3 race cars will be powered by naturally aspirated, 6.3-liter V8 engines and will compete in the GT Daytona (GTD) class.

“We are thrilled to see the three-pointed star compete in North America’s premier endurance racing series in 2017,” said MBUSA president Dietmar Exler. “Our Mercedes-AMG race car has already proven itself in worldwide competition, and should quickly become a fan favorite. We are very excited about our prospects for the 2017 racing season.”

Mercedes-AMG becomes the eighth manufacturer in the WeatherTech Championship GTD class, which uses FIA GT3 technical regulations. Mercedes-AMG joins Acura and Lexus as GTD programs that will debut in 2017, while Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari and BMW are expected to continue their participation in the class. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 race car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT S road car.

read further at: imsa.com

[Everso Biggyballies]

Barrichello to contest 2017 Le Mans 24hrs.

Ex-Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello will contest next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans with a new Dutch outfit, Racing Team Netherlands, it has been announced.

Racing Team Netherlands has acquired Dallara's brand-new LMP2 prototype to contest the entire European Le Mans Series, in addition to the prestigious 24-hour race.

Barrichello will compete alongside Dutch motor racing legend Jan Lammers, and Frits van Eerd, boss of supermarket chain Jumbo, which sponsors Max Verstappen.

Earlier this month, Lammers and Van Eerd carried out the team's first test session with the new Dallara at Magny Cours, which previously hosted the French Grand Prix.

[erwin greven]

Yes!!! I just read it! Great news!

[erwin greven]

LMP2 In 2017, Who’s Coming, Who Isn’t!

Part 2: ELMS LMP3 delivering new customers to the premier ELMS class

At time of writing confirmed numbers in LMP2 are stronger than in the FIA WEC with several sources suggesting 14 full season cars are all but assured in the class.

Algarve Pro:

A two car effort in the Asian Le mans Series is all that’s confirmed here at present with team sources consistently ruling out an early move to a 20178 LMP2, but other reports suggesting a 2018 shift to the FIA WEC – Algarve Pro might hang on and look at the form book before deciding whether and where to jump, and what with.

Ben Keating:

No announcement yet of the race programme for Ben Keating with his Riley Multimatic Mk 30. With a full season slated in IMSA GTD that leaves limited options if the car is to be seen regularly.

A Le Mans 24 Hours place seems secure as one of the IMSA nominees after Keating’s role in bringing Mercedes AMG into the North American Championship is counted alongside the team’s Dodge Viper GTD successes. It looks likely that Bill Riley’s organisation will run the car at Le Mans if invited. (One Riley Multimatic possible though currently unlikely)

Dragonspeed:

Have acquired a pair of new build Oreca 07s for the ELMS. One car is understood to be likely to feature an unchanged crew from the single car effort in 2016 (Hedman/ Lapierre/ Hanley) with work in progress to sign customers for the second car. (One Oreca 07 confirmed, a second car possible/ probable)



Eurasia:

Part of a major reshuffling in customers and their associate teams. Mark Goddard’s squad will no longer field the Oreca pedalled in 2016 by Pu Jun Jin, Nico Pieter de Bruijn and Tristan Gommendy but is in negotiations with another customer for ELMS in 2017 alongside his Asian Le Mans customers in both LMP2 and LMP3. (One car possible)



Eurointernational:

A rumoured shift to LMP2 has emerged as a joint venture between Giorgio Mondini and Benoit Morand, with WEC in the business plan.

Graff Racing:

The two car effort in LMP3 shifts up a gear with an Oreca 07 for the ELMS alongside an LMP3 programme. (One Oreca 07 confirmed)



Greaves Motorport:

Greaves are talking to potential customers (beyond the likely return of the Krohn racing effort) to fill a full season presence. Ligier and Dallara chassis are in the potential mix. (One car possible)



IDEC Sport:

The 2016 ELMS newcomers are to replace their Ligier Judd with a new Ligier for the 2017 season. (One Ligier JS P217 confirmed)

Jota Sport:

No confirmation of a return from the G-Drive backing but one Oreca 07 (likely one of the team’s 2016 05 cars upgraded) has been confirmed to DSC with 2016 Champion Simon Dolan set to race in a coupe for the first time in 2017! (One Oreca 07 confirmed)

Krohn Racing:

Expected to field a new Dallara LMP2 for the ELMS in 2017, most likely still supported by the Greaves Motorsport equips (One Dallara likely)

Minassian:

Reports that Nic Minassian’s long-desired shift into team ownership/ management might come in 2017 are understood to be somewhat premature. He is certainly looking for a racing future beyond his tie at the wheel but the transition of the LMP2 rules looks set to mean that his plans with an as yet unannounced, but known to DSC, customer/ partner might err on the cautious side.

Murphy Prototypes:

Will Greg Murphy and co return after a fractured 2016? It’s all quiet on that front at the moment though talks were underway about the potential placement of a Riley Multimatic for 2017. Greg Murphy meanwhile says that the team will be back with chassis choice yet to be finalised. (One LMP2 possible/ probable)

Panis Barthez:

A new Ligier to replace this season’s JS P2 in a full ELMS campaign in 2017 was one of the first orders known and there still appears to be an (albeit distant) chance of a second car. (One Ligier confirmed)



Pegasus Racing:

Will move to LMP3 for 2017 with a Ligier JSP3, and a drive to source customers for a second car.

Race Performance:

No conformation just yet of a new LMP2 from the Swiss team alongside their Asian Le mans Series programme with the Oreca 03-R Judd.

RLR MSport:

The Bolton, UK based outfit ran a Ginetta LMP3 in 2015, and a Ligier JS P3 in 2016, acquiring a second, as yet un-raced car mid year.

They then confirmed that a Ligier JS P217 has been acquired for the 2017 ELMS ‘and other selected events’. The team are expected to continue in LMP3 as well. (One Ligier confirmed)

SMP Racing:

There is/was a potential plan for a BR01 or two to contest the ELMS as a grandfathered car. With information tortuously difficult to get from the SMP camp it seems at present unlikely, in the wake of very strong numbers of new LMP2s arriving, that this will come to fruition. See FIA WEC piece for details of likely SMP Racing plans.



Thiriet by TDS Racing:

TDS Racing are certainly set to announce a 2017 FIA WEC campaign but signs are that this is an additional campaign and that the team’s current Oreca programme might return to the ELMS in 2017 with the 05 coupe upgraded to 07 specification. (One Oreca likely)

Tockwith Motorsport:

After a mid season 2016 debut with a Ligier JS P3 the Yorkshire based squad have announced that they have acquired a Ligier JS P217 bound for the 2017 ELMS – Phil Hanson and Nigel Moore will drive once again. No decision on a continued LMP3 presence has yet been announced but the JS P3 is contesting a full Asian Le mans Series season over the winter. (One Ligier confirmed)

United Autosports:

A late(ish) call to put together a full season in a new Ligier came as a direct result of the team’s LMP3 Championship winning season and the subsequent Invitation for an LMP2 entry for the Le Mans 24 Hours. (One Ligier all but confirmed)

Villorba Corse:



The Italian team have announced a full season in LMP2 in the ELMS with their new Dallara Coupe. 2016 team LMP3 duo Roberto Lecorte and Giorgio Sernagiotto will return, teamed with ex Rebellion Racing man Andrea Bellicchi. Again the team are seeking customers to retain a parallel LMP3 presence. (One Dallara confirmed).

WRT:

No firm news from Vincent Vosse’s squad on any full season plans after a successful one-off adventure at Spa. Noises immediately following that race though looked positive. One to watch. (Possible)

Other as yet unannounced programmes

At least two other as yet unannounced ELMS programmes are known to be in play, one each for Ligier and Dallara, both very close to final confirmation.

Add that little lot up and we get to a potential 18 cars, with most senior sources presuming a c.14 car full season entry with Dallara, Ligier, and Oreca customers effectively confirmed for the European season.

That marks strong growth with a couple of themes emerging:

LMP3 IS providing a ladder to the LMP2 class, at least five teams are set to step up in whole or in part from LMP3 to LMP2 with the majority predicting a presence in both LMP classes in 2017. and

Ligier are being particularly effective in attracting newcomers to the class, the customer service for their LMP3 customers seems to be paying dividends.

Summary

Dallara – One confirmed, One likely, one likely as yet unannounced
Ligier – Five confirmed – One likely as yet unannounced
Oreca – Four confirmed, One likely
Riley Multimatic – One possible (but unlikely)

Not known – 3-6 possible cars

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/11/1 ... -elms.html

[erwin greven]

LMP2 In 2017, Who’s Coming, Who Isn’t!

Part 3 IMSA: DPi & LMP2 Numbers into double figures

Necessarily there are two lists here with the North American Series uniquely allowing manufacturer backed, re-engined LMP2 chassis, with custom bodywork into their DPi category.

DPi

Four teams, with three different engines, across an expected seven cars are understood to be in the mix.

General Motors

The Cadillac badged effort will retain the hugely successful (Chevrolet) V8 motor from the recently departed DP era with three cars expected to be announced, two for multiple IMSA Championship winning team Action Express, the third from one of their regular on-track tormentors Wayne Taylor Racing.



The effort is a serious one, all tree cars will feature Dallara chassis and there are spare chassis available to maintain the attack (and, it could be argued, to extend the programme if the opportunity arose!)

(Dallara Cadillac – 3 cars all but announced)

Mazda

Riley Multimatic will be the chassis, Speedsource will continue to campaign a two car entry for Mazda. An effort to persuade the Mazda hierarchy that a third car would be desirable apparently failed (see below) so two cars it will be in an effort due to have the covers removed midweek at the LA Autoshow



(Riley Multimatic Mazda – 2 cars all but announced)

Tequila Patron ESM – Nissan

Back to a North American programme after a campaign of mixed fortunes in the FIA WEC, ESM will field a pair of Nissan V6 twin turbo engined (the GT3 engine from the Nissan GT-R) Ligier chassis with bodywork adapted by Onroak.

In contrast to the other two Dpi efforts this is a solidly privately funded effort. and an opportunity to see just how that avenue of opportunity will compare with the Gibson engined LMP2 option for non-factory backed teams.



(Ligier Nissan – 2 cars Confirmed)

LMP2

IMSA will have P2 spec cars out to play too with a trickle of announcements in recent week, principally, but not exclusively, from teams contesting the Prototype Challenge class in 2016.

At least one of the Prototype teams is investigating the potential to add other races to their 2017 schedule.

JDC Miller

Have confirmed a full season effort with an ORECA 07 Gibson

jdc-miller-2016-lmp2-imsa

(1 Oreca Confirmed)

PR1 Mathiasen



Have confirmed a full season with a Ligier JS P217 Gibson.

(1 Ligier confirmed)

Rebellion Racing

A part season in North America seems a likely choice as part of Rebellion Racing’s yet to be confirmed 2017 programme with at least one of the team’s Oreca 07s

rebellion-oreca

(Part season Possible for 1 Oreca 07)

Starworks

Peter Baron’s Prototype class plans are firming up around a Riley Multimatic Gibson with the every busy Team Principal working hard to secure backing for a possible second car 

(1 Riley Multimatic Likely, Second Car Possible)



Visit Florida Racing

After the attempt to secure a third Mazda engined Dpi package fell through Troy Flis’s team have now confirmed a Riley Multimatic Gibson package for the 2017 season.



1 x Riley Multimatic confirmed)

Other Prospects

Beyond the confirmed and highly likely cars listed above, Team Penske’s toes seem potentially likely to be dampened at some point as the crack squad move closer still to a re-entry into the IMSA fray.



Whilst one of a number of high profile teams looking for a factory backed opportunity for a Dpi programme in future seasons the Penske squad have been close before to fielding an Oreca P2 car and might again resurrect that plan as part of a ramping up of capability and data gathering.

Ben Keating has gone to some lengths to deny any plans to contest IMSA races with his Riley Multimatic, and with a full season of GTD racing already announced in the team’s new Mercedes AMG GT3 that prospect is certainly no closer

Summary

3 x Cadillac-Dallara Dais
2 x Mazda – Riley DPis
2 x Nissan – Ligier DPis
1-3 x Oreca 07 P2s
1 x Ligier P2
1-3 Riley P2s

http://www.dailysportscar.com/2016/11/1 ... -imsa.html

[erwin greven]

Porsche Reveals Mid-Engined 911 RSR



Porsche has formally unveiled its next-generation 911 RSR, which will compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year as factory entries.

The presentation was made Wednesday at the LA Auto Show, marking the first GTE-spec Porsche to debut on U.S. soil in recent memory.

While bearing the same name as its predecessor, the all-new GTE-spec contender features a radical mid-engined design, powered by a four-liter flat-six engine mounted in front of the rear axle.

The boxer engine is estimated to produce 510 horsepower, depending on the size of the air restrictor.

“While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution in the history of our top GT model,” said Head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser.

“For the 911 RSR, we deliberately focused on a particularly modern and light normally-aspirated engine, as this gave our engineers immense latitude in developing the vehicle.

“Apart from that, in principle, the GTE and GT Le Mans class regulations stipulate the absolute equality of various drive concepts, as the torque characteristics of turbo and normally aspirated engines are aligned.”

The 2017-spec 911 RSR also features an all-new transmission, suspension, body structure and aerodynamics, with the revised engine placement allowing for a larger rear diffuser.

It also has a top-mounted rear wing, a concept taken from the German manufacturer’s World Championship-winning LMP1 car.

The car is equipped with a radar collision warning system, similar to a system run on the Corvette C7.Rs, while serviceability has also been improved, with quick-release bodywork components.

Two cars will be entered in January’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, under the Porsche North America banner, and for the entire WeatherTech Championship, with Porsche Team Manthey returning two WEC competition, also with an expected two-car effort.

No word has been given on customer cars, although it would be expected for 2018.

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/pors ... d-911-rsr/

More pics, technical data and insights: http://gt-lemans.blogspot.nl/2016/11/po ... -2017.html

[erwin greven]

[erwin greven]

Btw:

Dallara is working with BR Engineering and SMP Racing at an LMP1 project for 2018!

http://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/br-e ... 1-project/

[Michkov]

The first DPi has been unveiled.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-shows/l ... rnational/

[Everso Biggyballies]

LMP2 In 2017, Who’s Coming, Who Isn’t!


PR1 Mathiasen



Have confirmed a full season with a Ligier JS P217 Gibson.

(1 Ligier confirmed)

Some good looking outfits there but particularly love this Ligier.

[Cheeveer]

LMP2 In 2017, Who’s Coming, Who Isn’t!


PR1 Mathiasen



Have confirmed a full season with a Ligier JS P217 Gibson.

(1 Ligier confirmed)

Some good looking outfits there but particularly love this Ligier.

You know that's an old ca 2009 Oreca "Prototype Challenge" car in the picture, right? That shitty spec formula that has caused nothing but cautions in American sports car racing since 2010.

The Mazda looks excellent, just too bad that formula will be BOP'd to bits more than likely.

And great news from BR and Dallara.

[John]

That Mazda looks intriguing.

[Everso Biggyballies]

#

Some good looking outfits there but particularly love this Ligier.

You know that's an old ca 2009 Oreca "Prototype Challenge" car in the picture, right? That shitty spec formula that has caused nothing but cautions in American sports car racing since 2010.

The Mazda looks excellent, just too bad that formula will be BOP'd to bits more than likely.

And great news from BR and Dallara.

I wasnt aware of that no, but something about it I like. Maybe its the livery? Thanks for the info anyway.
Agree on the Mazda looks too.

[Cheeveer]

Oh, I like that livery too! Actually makes that car look good. But oh how I wish the Prototype Challenge was over! 2017 will at least be it's last season.