Two of sportscar racing's best-known chassis suppliers, Dallara and Multimatic, have decided not to apply for the next LMP2 ruleset.
In place since 2017, the current LMP2 regulations quickly evolved into a spec category due to the dominance of the ORECA 07, which crushed the competition. Originally, cars from four manufacturers were eligible: Dallara, Ligier, ORECA, and Riley/Multimatic.
The arrival of the new LMP2 has been repeatedly delayed. It is now scheduled for 2028. A few weeks ago, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and FIA revealed the updated specifications, as detailed by The Race last month.
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Two tenders have also been launched to select the sole engine supplier and the two approved chassis manufacturers for the category.
The car itself will feature a closed cockpit with a central driving position, a weight of 980kg, and a top speed of 315km/h (196mph). The cost is capped at €450,000.
For many potential candidates, the market is not economically viable if the category is not a spec category. This is due to a reduced base compared to the past - particularly because the LMP2 class no longer exists in the World Endurance Championship and there are fewer entries at the Le Mans 24 Hours due to the growing number of Hypercar entries, a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
And concerns have been confirmed, as The Race has learned that two of the four currently eligible manufacturers have, reluctantly, decided not to respond to the tender. These are none other than the giants Dallara and Multimatic.
Despite having significant resources, both concluded that there is simply no viable business model under the current circumstances.
ORECA boss Hugues de Chaunac, on the other hand, has always said: "ORECA fully intends to be involved, whether there is one or several manufacturers." The same goes for Ligier, which even pushed for there to be two constructors. While not entirely convinced on all fronts, both French companies have responded to the call for tenders.
According to The Race's sources, Lola, Tatuus, and even Podium Technology also took a serious look at the tender. Some - perhaps all - also submitted proposals. But do they truly meet all the requirements laid out by the FIA and ACO?
As part of their bids, those tendering must demonstrate expertise in prototype car manufacturing, commit commercial, technical, and engineering resources to the project, have industrial capacity for chassis production, manage a supply chain and subcontractors, and be in a financial and economic position to cover chassis development and support.
None of these companies have recent experience in sportscar racing, which makes ORECA and Ligier the overwhelming favourites to win the tenders.
The ACO and FIA have given themselves until June 10 to finalise their decision, which will be officially announced three days later, during the traditional press conference held on the eve of the Le Mans 24 Hours.
On the engine side, the current LMP2 provider, Gibson Technology, is believed to have submitted a proposal. So has Autotecnica, known for the twin-turbo V8 powering the Lamborghini SC63 and many engines seen in junior single-seaters. Other candidates are not to be ruled out.
The ACO and FIA want a single turbocharged engine, weighing a maximum of 160kg, capable of delivering 420bhp, and with a brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC) of less than 250g/kWh.
