LM24: IMSA, ACO appear to reverse course on DPis

Although no official documents have been produced on the subject by the ACO or IMSA, it's believed the organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans have reversed course on their willingness to allow American "Daytona Prototype international" P2s to participate in their event.

In a series of communications with RACER on Thursday, IMSA confirmed it was aware of the possibility its new-for-2017 P2-based DPis could be barred from racing at Le Mans, but declined to confirm it has become a formal decision by the ACO.

• PRUETT: ACO pulls rug from under DPi hopefuls

The new, joint 2017 P2 project will see the ACO and its partners at the World Endurance Championship move to a spec P2 formula where four chassis options, all using spec bodywork and a spec Gibson V8 engine, will replace the open chassis and engine formula currently in use.

IMSA, which has worked with the ACO and WEC on the 2017 P2 formula from the outset, developed a special version of the car that would allow auto manufacturers to install a variety of engines, electronics systems, and custom brand-themed bodywork with any of the four chosen chassis constructors.

The announcement of the joint development, which came 12 months ago at Le Mans, included the ability for DPis to race at the 24 Hour, albeit without the custom bodywork. The next DPi item taken off the table was the custom electronics package, and based on reports that emerged today, the ACO has reneged on the use of DPi engines.

Provided the ACO's change of heart is confirmed, it would force IMSA Prototype teams to use 2017 ACO/WEC P2s in order to compete at Le Mans.