Four LMP2 chassis providers picked for 2017 regulations

The four chassis providers for the revamped LMP2 regulations set to be introduced in 2017 have been named with Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca and a joint application by Riley Tech/Multimatic being awarded the supplier slots.

After a two month selection process the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the FIA selected the four manufacturers to supply chassis models for LMP2 cars in a move to unify regulations internationally in the prototype category.

The selection is subjection to confirmation by the World Motor Sport Council, which is expected to be passed on Friday (10th July).

The chassis providers will be used in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Asian Le Mans Series, the European Le Mans Series and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

The ACO and FIA also announced the LMP2 category cars will be powered by a single engine manufacturer - with Nissan a strong favourite to claim the role - but official confirmation will be made in September.

However, in the TUDOR USSC, prototype machines will still be run by a number of engine manufacturers with confirmation expected within the coming weeks.

The process of production and safety testing the chassis models will begin in January 2016 and is expected to be completed by the latest date of 15th December 2016 so LMP2 entries can begin preparations for the first event to use the new regulations - the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January 2017.

President of the ACO Pierre Fillon says he is 'proud' of the selection process and is delighted the governing bodies have been able to reach a firm decision on the chassis providers.

"The Automobile Club de l'Ouest is proud of the work that's been done on the future LM P2 category regulations, which has resulted in the selection of four prestigious chassis constructors: Dallara, Onroak Automotive, Oreca and Riley Tech/Multimatic," Fillon said. "Our priority is to supply the teams and drivers entered in this category with the best options and solutions to race in endurance on a long-term basis.

"Thanks to the decisions taken jointly by the ACO, IMSA and the FIA we have managed to bring together a high-quality pool of constructors which reinforces the interest in the series and its glowing future prospects."