LMP2 class to remain in WEC until 2022

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has confirmed the LMP2 class will remain part of the World Endurance Championship until 2022, gaining a one-year extension, as part of the introduction of the Prototype and Hypercar premier class.

With the new Hypercar class coming in from the 2020-2021 WEC season, the LMP2 class had been expected to rival the premier class in terms of outright performance at certain tracks on the calendar.

As a result, the LMP2 technical regulations will be tweaked from 2020 which will see the category remain part of WEC until June 2022 and December 2022 in other endurance series.

“The FIA World Motor Sport Council has confirmed the collegial decision taken by its Endurance Committee and the ACO concerning adjustments to the LMP2 class further to the introduction of a Hypercar class for the FIA World Endurance Championship beginning in September 2020,” an ACO statement read.

“Performance requirements in the top class have been reduced to curb overspending, which has an evident knock-on effect on LMP2. Given the popularity of the current class and to minimise expense, current LMP2 cars will be accepted in competition for an extra year.

“The ACO and the FIA agree that adjustments to performance levels will play on parameters that do not affect chassis homologation. Engine power is the most likely candidate for modification.

“Hypercars and LMP2s will line up side by side as of September 2020 and it is now definite: LMP2 prototypes are authorised to race beyond the date originally announced.”

Toyota and Aston Martin are the only two manufacturers to have committed to entering the new class from 2021, which will target close competition through a Balance of Performance system, with McLaren assessing a decision on its own entry.