Onroak launches Ligier LMP3

Onroak Automotive has become the fourth constructor to commit to the new entry-level LMP3 prototype division, with a car that will carry the Ligier name.

The French organization, which bought Ligier at the end of 2013, has given the green light to its P3 project on the release of the final regulations for the category. It plans to unveil the Nissan-powered Ligier LMP3 during Le Mans 24 Hours week in June and intends to make the first deliveries to customers in September of this year.

Onroak, sister company of the OAK Racing LMP2 team, joins Ginetta, LAS Motorsport, a joint-venture project involving Sebastien Loeb Racing, and U.S. constructor Ave Motorsports, which is building a design by Riley Technologies, in entering the LMP3 market.

The aerodynamics of the new P3, which will be eligible for the Le Mans Series in Europe and Asia, have been inspired by Onroak's successful Ligier JSP2 LMP2 coupe introduced last year.

Onroak owner Jacques Nicolet explained that the JSP3 meant that the company would now "design and sell a complete range of prototypes for endurance" racing, starting with its Ligier JS53 EVO Group CN car and encompassing the updated version of its open-top Morgan LMP2 and the closed Ligier P2.

"We'd like to build up a real endurance ladder and accompany our clients from one category to the next," he said. "Backed by our know-how, our experience and the time we've given ourselves for its design and development, we're convinced that this new car will be a success."

Ginetta has sold nine of its LMP3 chassis, an order book that it is confident can be completed before the first ELMS round at Silverstone in mid-April.

LAS is hoping to have a car available for the start of the European series, while the first Ave car is likely to run for the first time in the summer.

Originally on Autosport.com