WEC: IMSA DPi Prototypes could race at Le Mans

The LMP2-based Daytona Prototype international machinery that will compete in next year's IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship could have a place in the LMP1 privateer class at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

DPi rules will allow manufacturers to produce their own engine and bodywork for one of the four LMP2 chassis allowed from next year. If a move hinted at by Le Mans organizer the Automobile Club de l'Ouest eventuates, U.S. teams would only be permitted to run the engines should they choose to compete in the French classic. That will cause problems because the new spec LMP2 engine produced by Gibson Technologies is normally-aspirated and potential DPi competitors Cadillac, Mazda and Honda all have or are working on turbocharged engines, which would have different cooling and therefore bodywork requirements.

• IMSA: 2017 Daytona Prototype international update

"The question is, what is the best place for DPi [at Le Mans] and is it LMP2?" ACO president Pierre Fillon said.

Asked whether this would mean allowing the cars to race in P1, he replied: "This is not decided; we have to find a solution."

The ACO has reiterated its stance on not allowing DPi bodywork at Le Mans.

"They have to have the same bodywork," Fillon continued. "P2 is working well; we don't want to break that."

Fillon also suggested that a problem in allowing DPi engines to run at Le Mans would be balancing them with the spec Gibson powerplant. IMSA's draft of the DPi regs do not call for the the use of the LMP2-spec Cosworth electronic control unit mandated under ACO/FIA rules.

"If you want to balance them with out Gibson engine you need data and it is not the same ECU," explained Fillon.

ACO and World Endurance Championship boss Gerard Neveu stressed their commitment to the P1 privateer category.

"We have to pay attention to the LMP1 privateers," said Neveu. "We are not doing a good job for them, not doing enough."

The existing P1 private teams and potential entrants, such as Strakka Racing, have been asked to present ideas to the ACO and the FIA on how to make their cars more competitive against the factory hybrid cars.

Originally on Autosport.com