10th February 2012

More than 25 cars have been entered in the ELMS for the 2012 season. However, helped by one-off entries the total field should number around thirty-five.

The new series that will kick off on the Paul Ricard circuit on 1st April with the Le Castellet 6 Hours is being promoted as an essential stepping stone to the WEC. Patrick Peter can count on 13 LM P2s for the whole season entered by 12 different teams representing 7 nationalities, 5 constructors and 2 engine manufacturers.

Among the favourites are the two Oak Racing Morgan-Judds. They will be up against two Zytek-Nissans entered by Jota Racing, and reigning champion, Greaves Motorsport. Oreca seems to be in the strongest position with six cars: Pecom, Race Performance, Boutsen Ginion, Murphy, Thiriet by TDS and Sébastien Loeb Racing, which was not expected to compete in the category at such an early date. Status Grand Prix and Jet Alliance have opted for Lolas without forgetting the Extreme Limite Norma. The organizers have put the Guess Racing Lola and Lola-MG on the reserve list. Between six and eight Formula Le Mans should complete the prototype field, but the cancellation of the tests programmed by Oreca in February because of snow has delayed the confirmation of entries.

In GTE Pro, two works cars are expected, the Prospeed Porsche 911 RSR and a Lotus Evora, which will be up against the JMW and JMB Ferraris and an Aston Martin Vantage. In GTE Am, the battle will rage between AF Corse and Imsa Performance representing Ferrari and Porsche respectively. The new GTC category is a disappointment as it has attracted only one entry! 

The kick-off will be given on 9-10 March with the official test session at Le Castellet.

Text: François Hurel