Ferrari among manufacturers eyeing LMP1

Ferrari is one of the core group of manufacturers negotiating new LMP1 regulations scheduled to come into force for the 2020/21 World Endurance Championship.

The Italian manufacturer, which has competed in GTE Pro since 2012, has revealed that it is involved in the discussions that will determine the look of a class dubbed GTP.

Ferrari GT boss Antonello Coletta said: “We are around the table, but we can’t say if we are interested or not interested. We need to understand what is happening, but if the new category is not so expensive, a lot of manufacturers could be interested.”

Ferrari, which evaluated an LMP1 entry five years ago, is part of an active negotiating group that is believed to stand at five manufacturers.

Toyota and Mclaren have already stated a firm interest in the proposed new category, along with Aston Martin.

Ford is also a participant in the negotiations, while Porsche is understood to be present as an observer.

The intention of the rule makers, the Automobile Club de l’ouest and the FIA, is to announce the road map for the future of LMP1 during the week of the Le Mans 24 Hours WEC round next month.

They want to maintain current performance levels but at a lower cost, while giving manufacturers the chance to style their prototype machinery after their road-going sportscars.