2028 next-gen LMP2 plan seems on track

The ACO says their plan to launch the next generation of LMP2 in 2028 is still on. They’ll weigh in at 950 kilograms and 563 horsepower (or 420 kilowatts, for the modern sophisticate), driven by a Gibson 3.4-liter twin turbo V6. Expanding from one OEM to two — ORECA and Ligier — is a big step, as it’ll make them compete on price.

UPDATE 4/21: As friend of the site @putdorianedown.bsky.social reminds me, there are actually technically four OEMs in the current LMP2 regulations, but everyone stopped using the non-ORECAs, so it’s a de facto one-make category. Hopefully this 2028 process will be a bit more competitive.

This category is well established around the world in its current form. It’s at the perfect intersection of being a stepping stone to the top level for both teams and drivers, a competitive place for pros piecing a season together to get more seat time, and at least somewhat insulated from the rich and untalented by LMP3. Now is a great time to push it forward.