Cost-cap LMP2s prove popular

Interest in the new-for-2011 cost-capped LMP2 prototype appears to be booming following a raft of announcements of new projects for the category.

Lola and ORECA have revealed that they are building cars for LMP2, which has a maximum price tag of €325,000 (£267,000) for a rolling chassis with gearbox. The French OAK Racing team may also produce a P2 version of the Pescarolo 01 chassis, to which it holds the intellectual property rights.

The new open-top Lola, the B11/40, is based on the British constructor’s B05/40 design and the aerodynamic upgrade that came on stream in 2007. The ORECA will be based on its LMP1 monocoque, which started life as the Courage LC70.

ORECA boss Hugues de Chaunac said: “We have good experience of building cars to cost from the Formula Le Mans project [a one-make prototype] and we believe there is a market to sell several cars for next year.”

New engines have been announced for the class, which stipulates a minimum purchase price of €75,000 (£61,000) for the latest production-based power plants. Roush/Yates and Honda Performance Development are developing twin-turbo V6 units, while Engine Developments is focusing on a normally-aspirated V8 based on an undisclosed block.