Getting into Le Mans->ke1591 prototype racing will be a bit easier starting 2015, as the Automobile Club de l'Ouest -- the sanctioning body that governs worldwide Le Mans series -- has just announced the LMP3 category. As the name suggests, the new class will slot right below the LMP2 category and above the LM GTE Pro.

The new LMP3 class is set to run in both the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series, two competitions that already include the LMP2 prototypes->ke169. Since the LMP1 category is only reserved for the World Endurance Championship, the top tier and LMP3 vehicle will only clash during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

"From the base to the summit we want to make it easy for drivers, teams and constructors to enter for endurance," explained Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. "This LMP3 is the base of our pyramid devoted to the different LMPs," he added.

Needless to say, adding a lower prototype category can only benefit the sport. But, as with any other racing->ke447 class, the LMP3 comes with its own set of rules regarding body configuration, engine, and building and running costs.

Click past the jump to learn more about Le Mans' new LMP3 Class.

Le Mans LMP3 Class

Just like LMP1 and LMP2 cars, the LMP3 prototypes will come in a closed cockpit configuration and a similar exterior design. The new vehicles will be six inches (15 cm) shorter than the other prototypes, but have the same width, while weight is set between 1,918 pounds (870 kg) and 1,984 pounds (900 kg). A carbon-fiber chassis and metal roll bar are mandatory, as are a shark's fin mounted behind the cockpit and openings on top of the wheel arches. When it comes to safety, LMP3 races must be FIA-compliant in all aspects and pass through an obligatory crash test before hitting the track.

As far as engines go, ACO selected a V-8 unit that must generate around 420 horsepower. Although the powerplant has yet to be confirmed as of July 2014, the governing body says the engine management system will be delivered by Magneti Marelli, while Oreca will be in charge with providing race support at all tracks in both Europe and Asia. Teams will be allowed to use only one engine per car throughout the season, with each one to last at least 6,213.7 miles (10,000 km) without maintenance.

Lastly, the price of these race cars should not exceed €195,000 ($263,627 as of 07/21/2014), while the running costs of a car during an European Le Mans Series season should sit between €350,000 ($473,217) and €450,000 ($608,571).

Why It Matters

Getting into Le Mans prototype racing isn't easy from a financial point of view, especially when one's aim is to compete throughout the whole European Le Mans Series season. This is why the LMP3 class is a much-needed addition to the sport, as it lowers the bar for admission to a more affordable level. With a required budget of no more than $810,000 for both the car and running costs, the LMP3 class will allow more teams to join prototype racing. This will not only increase the number of teams on the starting grid, but provide more spectacle at the track too. What's more, new teams will be able to find their way toward the top LMP1 tier by testing their abilities in the lower prototype leagues.

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