March 31st 2025

FIA/ACO seeks bids for next-generation LMP2 chassis

Following the launch of the process to select the next-generation LMP2 engine supplier earlier this month, the FIA and ACO’s tender procedure for prospective next-gen LMP2 chassis constructors is now open.

Currently, ORECA, Dallara, Multimatic and Ligier are the named chassis manufacturers, but from the 2028 season onwards, the number of eligible suppliers for the European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series, IMSA SportsCar Championship (subject to a dedicated contract) and FIA WEC (via Le Mans) is being reduced to a “maximum of two.”

The associated documents outline that it is an open tender to “interested parties” rather than a closed one for the current four, following the decision last year to scrap the previously proposed rules which stipulated that the chassis must be based on a current LMDh spine.

Chosen suppliers are expected to produce chassis from 2028 through to the end of 2032 and must be able to guarantee parts availability for a minimum period of 10 years.

Interested parties can join the process from today, with the deadline for submission set for May 9 ahead of the final decision on June 10.

The document notes that the tender includes the design and bodywork style of the cars and each supplier should include the “pricing for the complete rolling chassis in ‘ready to race’ condition, and the pricing for all parts separately and/or in subassembly components.”

The technical specification section of the tender document covers supply requirements. The overall estimation by the FIA and ACO is that 40 units will be needed to cater for the cars competing in the eligible championships (15 Competitions + 4 days of Official Testing – Mileage approx. 40000 km per car per year).

Each supplier must also be prepared to supply between four and six complete spare parts packages “at the beginning of each Competition or Official Testing.”

Technical details also include the following information:

Overall length: 4750 mm
Overhangs front: 1000 mm
Overhangs rear: 750 mm
Maximum width: 2,000 mm
Weight empty: 980 kilos minimum
One homologated bodywork for all series
Maximum top speed: 315 kph (at Le Mans)
Adjustable aero: rear wing only
Fuel tank capacity: 75 liters minimum, 80 liters maximum
Tirres and rims: 690 mm maximum front diameter, 715 mm maximum rear diameter. 18-inch rims.

By comparison, the current ORECA 07 is 4,745 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and weighs 950 kilos.

For more information: www.racer.com

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