Norma could make “mockery” of LMP3 Cup, says Spence

LMP3 Cup driver Jamie Spence believes the series will become a “mockery” without Btcc-style equalisation if the new Norma’s pace advantage shown in the Donington Park seasonopener continues.

The LMP3 Cup was an all-ligier series in its debut season last year but this year a single Norma M30 from Mectech Motorsport has joined, driven by Bradley Smith and Duncan Williams.

The Norma won race two in its debut meeting at Donington after taking pole by nearly a second.

Spence, who drives a Ligier for 360 Racing, said: “If you get to a situation that one manufacturer is quicker than the Ligier then it’s going to make a mockery of the championship as everyone who’s bought Ligiers will die out of the series.

“Let’s give it a couple of races and see where we are. Somehow they need to keep the championship fair and in line, like touring cars do with ballast.”

Smith denied that the Norma had an inherent advantage. “Not particularly,” he said when asked. “If Ligier want to put me in one of their cars I’ll do the same job, it’s not a problem either way.

“The team have really got on top of the set-up really quickly, I think that’s all it pretty much is.

“The team are doing a good job so if other people are off the pace they should maybe focus on what they’re doing themselves.”