LM P3 – the base of a prestigious pyramid

   

Taking part in the Le Mans 24 Hours with an LM P3 is forbidden, but this quick and demanding prototype is the ideal car in which to hone one’s skills while waiting to start the big race…

Five teams using Motul lubricants locked out the first five places in the Le Castellet 4 Hours, the first round of the European Le Mans Series. The managers of the first two teams gave us their opinion on the LM P3 phenomenon.

Unlike the chassis, the V8 Nissan engine putting out 420 bhp and the tyres are each supplied by a single manufacturer. But since the concept was launched in 2015, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has allowed six constructors to homologate a car. Dome threw in the towel early on while Ginetta, Addess and Riley only make occasional appearances in Great Britain or in the United States. French makes share the market created by the ACO series. The Ligier JS P3 and the Norma M30 were launched in 2015 and 2017 respectively: the former has sold some 100 cars while the latter’s figure currently stands at more than 30.

RLR Motorsport’s Ligier won the LM P3 category at the Paul Ricard circuit. “We were expecting to have a tough time as the JS P3’s top speed is supposed to be lower than that of the Norma,” said Nick Reynolds, the RLR Motorsport team’s competitions manager. “The work carried out this winter has paid off. We did quite a lot of testing both on the track and in the wind tunnel and the result was victory and the fastest lap in the race! In my opinion, the ACO should use the adjustment of performances procedure, which is foreseen to balance out the difference in the chassis, so that teams don’t have to buy a new car as soon as the balance changes.”

The M.Racing – YMR team founded by four-time World Touring Car champion, Yvan Muller, also has a great deal of long-term experience in the category. The man from Alsace’s outfit runs both a Ligier and a Norma and the M30 set pole and finished second at Paul Ricard. “An LM P3 has less power, less aero downforce and fewer electronics than an LM P2 and that’s what makes it more difficult to operate and to drive. It doesn’t level out the differences in driving skills to the same extent so it’s a great way to learn the ropes.”

So what would he advise a young driver to do who wants to make his debut in LM P3? “He should join my team! I’ll be there to help him make the most of his skills and when we reach his limits, we’ll try and push them back!”

RLR Msport, M.Racing – YMR, Eurointernational, 360 Racing, United Autosports and Cool Racing are Motul’s technical partners in the LMP3 category; taking part  in the European Le Mans Series. Norma is also partnered technically by Motul and recommends using the brand's products in all the cars of its catalogue.