Third car for Toyota?

[Jonsie]

Does anyone know if Toyota has confirmed a third car for Le Mans this year? I've been searching the web but can't find anything. I know the entry list will be announced in early Feb so we will know then. I'm really hoping they add another car. Le Mans needs a different winner!

[Red Firecracker]

Nothing confirmed yet, but the noises were in the positive at the end of the 2016 season. If Toyota do, I'd expect Porsche to possibly go for three as well.

[gt6]

The ACO are applying pressure as without that the LMP1 class is a little barren

[Red Firecracker]

There's very little real pressure the ACO can apply, one suspects, but I imagine there are quite a few incentives being offered to Toyota and indeed Porsche. It's a big year for the race and a mediocre top class would not be good PR wise. God forbid an LMP2 should take overall honours (or the ByKolles, but that would just be silly, however much I'd like it)

[ellroy]

I thought that they'd confirmed a 3 car team for LM, but not WEC, some months ago?

[Red Firecracker]

ellroy said:

I thought that they'd confirmed a 3 car team for LM, but not WEC, some months ago?

No confirmation yet. Doubtful for 3 car full WEC though, but if they go LM 3 car, then Spa is the obvious possibility.

[Jonsie]

It's confirmed, three cars for Le Mans.

[hnn]

And Spa, saw it on Daily Sportscar earlier on

[baron bashoneov]

Only 6 LMP1 cars. More marques needed for 18. Any rumours? Ferrari?

[Red Firecracker]

All depends on the new regs. Until they are thrashed out, or allowances made, then very doubtful anybody is going to jump in publically.

IMSA and the DPi are very very inviting options at the moment if bang for buck is a concern for an OEM.

[eastlmark]

Red Firecracker said:

All depends on the new regs. Until they are thrashed out, or allowances made, then very doubtful anybody is going to jump in publically.

IMSA and the DPi are very very inviting options at the moment if bang for buck is a concern for an OEM.

Would be a great option for Alpine if Le mans added DPi, already run a branded Oreca LMP2 car. Will be watching the performance of the Nissan engine in the By kolles this year as its already part of their stable and would be low cost for them.

[Red Firecracker]

eastlmark said:

Would be a great option for Alpine if Le mans added DPi, already run a branded Oreca LMP2 car. Will be watching the performance of the Nissan engine in the By kolles this year as its already part of their stable and would be low cost for them.

Absolutely, IMSA really do seem to have nailed it with the DPi concept (although the Kolles engine and the IMSA DPi lump are different)

[ellroy]

The DPi IS essentially an LMP2 car with a few bodywork tweeks.

[Red Firecracker]

ellroy said:

The DPi IS essentially an LMP2 car with a few bodywork tweeks.

Yup, LMP2 tub/chassis and you put your own clothes on it. The concept makes absolute sense from a cost perspective, certainly for OEMs looking to race in IMSA and probably would attract more to FIA/ACO racing if it was available here, but of course, that is highly unlikely to happen.

Worth bearing in mind that it has been previously reported that Peugeot would entertain a return if they didn't have to run a hybrid system (cost) so OEM interest is there, but the new regs will either kill or cure LMP1. Place your bets.