Formula Le Mans changes shape

After trying to go it alone, Formula Le Mans will join the heart of the Le Mans Series peloton in 2010. A new formula which will give more exposure to a series created to debut in endurance.

Published on 13/11/2009 à 16:51

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The cars (Oreca chassis and 420 horsepower GM engine) will receive an “endurance kit” including an engine flange in order to place the performance of the “FLM” between the LM P2 and the LM GT2.

Within the Le Mans Series peloton, the Formula Le Mans will participate in their own championship with a specific classification. Taking into account “adapted” technical regulations, these prototypes will not be able to claim qualification for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Five events will make up the 2010 calendar, including the four 1000 kilometer Le Mans Series races and a fifth, excluding LMS, to be determined.

“The transformation of Formula Le Mans into the Le Mans Series was a natural choice,” says Hugues de Chaunac, director of Formula Le Mans. “With this approach, we will, with the ACO, give new impetus to the discipline. Not only will Formula Le Mans take on a new dimension as an access discipline to endurance, but it will also benefit from all the aura and media exposure of the Le Mans Series. To its high performance and its very reasonable operating cost will now be added the prestige and sporting interest of long distance races such as the 1000 km events. »

Formula Le Mans prototypes are also announced in the American Le Mans Series next season.