The European Le Mans Series is a European series of endurance races reserved for cars such as "Le Mans Prototypes" and "Le Mans Grand Touring". The ELMS presents three different categories: LMP2, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP3 and LMGT3.

2026 Sporting Regulations

LMP2

The category below the top LMH class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, LMP2 is a key part of the “Endurance" family which allows teams, as well as drivers, to gradually progress to the highest level. The "Le Mans Prototype 2" (LMP2) class is reserved exclusively for privateer teams independent of constructors and/or engine suppliers.

LMP2 cars have similar characteristics to LMH (carbon monocoque chassis) while respecting strict cost criteria: the price must not exceed €483,000.

The four constructors who supply chassis for the cars that will compete in the LMP2 category are: Dallara, Ligier Automotive, Oreca, and the joint-venture Riley Tech/Multimatic. 

In the European Le Mans Series, FIA World Endurance Championship and Asian Le Mans Series all LMP2 cars will be equipped with Gibson Technology engines. The 4-litre V8 engine, which was unveiled at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans, delivers around 600bhp.

Cosworth Electronics will be the single electronics supplier. The unique Cosworth electronic unit will also provide a more efficient level of service (equipment, etc.) while enabling the performance of the engines run in the ELMS, FIA WEC, and Asian LMS and in the American series to be managed.

The weight and dimensions of the 2017 LMP2 cars have changed from the closed cockpit cars run previously with the maximum measurements of the new cars being longer, narrower, slightly taller, and 30kg heavier.

Each driver lineup must be made up of at least one "Silver" rated driver. Two Platinum drivers cannot be entered in the same lineup.

LMP2 – 1st and 2nd LMP2 competitors will be invited to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Race Number Background Colour: BLUE.

LMP2 technical specifications:

LMP2 Pro/Am

In 2021, the LMP2 grid included a separate trophy and title for competitors whose cars included a bronze driver in their line-up. This was known as LMP2 Pro/Am. In a change for the 2023 season, the LMP2 Pro/Am category will be run as a separate class

A 15-minute LMP2 Pro/Am qualifying session for bronze drivers only, with one championship point for claiming pole position.

The cars will be exactly the same as run in the LMP2 category.

A crew of 2 or 3 drivers must include at least one Bronze driver. Two Platinum drivers cannot be entered in the same lineup.

1st LMP2 Pro/Am competitor will be invited to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Race number Background Colour: CYAN (Pantone Blue 319C).

LMP3

The LMP3 class was introduced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in 2015 and 2025 will mark the introduction of the third generation of LMP3. Four manufacturers have been selected to help the ACO take the class forward: Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta and Adess.

Competitive cars, a top-flight sporting programme, an affordable budget, a straightforward mechanical set-up and technology within everyone’s reach will continue to form the backbone of the series. LMP3 was designed as a training ground for endurance racing, an arena in which drivers, team members, engineers and mechanics can hone their skills and prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

2025-2029 LMP3 characteristics:

1. Oreca is the exclusive powertrain (engine, gearbox and electronics) supplier
2. The car will be an upgrade of the manufacturers’ present vehicles, not an entirely new car. An upgrade kit has been defined, covering safety, performance and design
3. Customer quality will be a prime concern with technical support at circuits, a spare parts service and a technical passport

Key technical information for LMP3 in 2025-29:

1. Engine power has been increased by 15 hp, to 470 hp
2. The new Toyota V35A engine will be introduced. The new engine, built and prepared by Oreca, will be homologated until the end of 2029 and is more frugal on fuel, and quieter than the previous engine.
3. As for the chassis, some safety-related changes have been approved for the driver’s headrest structure and the driver’s seat

1st LMP3 competitor will be invited to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMP2.

Race Number Background Colour: PURPLE.

LMP3 technical specifications:

LMGT3

The LMGT3 category, known as Le Mans Grand Touring Car, is a set of regulations maintained by the ACO and the FIA for Grand Tourer race cars designed for use in the ACO/FIA motor racing series. LMGT3 cars are based on production road car models that are built and sold at the time of homologation.

Cars eligible for the LMGT3 class must be built by a partner manufacturer recognised by the ACO/FIA, comply with the GT3 Group technical regulations, and conform to the specifications of the technical regulations.

LMGT3 cars must comply with the specific homologation form completed by the manufacturer and validated by the ACO/FIA.

For the LMGT3 class, the composition of driver line-ups must adhere to the Drivers’ Categorisation List. A crew of 2 or 3 drivers must have a Bronze driver, and no more than one Gold or Platinum rated driver.

1st LMGT3 competitor will be invited to the next 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Race Number Background Colour: GREEN.

LMGT3 technical specifications: