LMP2 cars get power hike

The 22-strong flotilla of ORECA-GIBSON 07 LMP2 cars will be unleashed in the European Le Mans Series this season. They will be back almost to the specification in which they raced before a series of moves to slow the class on the introduction of the Hypercar category to the World Endurance Championship in 2021.

The one-make, 4.2-litre normally aspirated Gibson V8 has been given back 40bhp for the coming season, which starts at Barcelona next month. That brings maximum power up to 580bhp, close to the 600 the unit pushed out in 2017-20. The missing 20bhp is the result of a 500rpm rev reduction that remains in place. At the same time, weight has been reduced from 950 to 930kg, the original class minimum. Fuel capacity has been increased from 69 litres to the old maximum of 75.

ORECA’S 07 will be slowed, however, when P2 returns to the WEC for the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. The cars will run in the same spec as last year, which means 500bhp and 950kg.

“It’s good that the cars will be able to stretch their legs – I’ve never known a driver who doesn’t want more power,” said Richard Dean, boss of ELMS stalwart United Autosports. “We’re going back nearly to what we had before without any addition in running costs, so it has to be a good thing.”