Ginetta has confirmed it will become a chassis manufacturer for the LMP1 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship from the 2018 season.
Earlier this year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) announced new regulations for LMP1 from 2017 that were intended to attract more privateer teams to the class in the future.
The LMP1 field is set to feature just two manufacturers – Porsche and Toyota – in 2017 following Audi's shock withdrawal at the end of last year and the decision to put the LMP1-L privateer class on hiatus due to a lack of entries.
However, Ginetta has now confirmed it will produce an LMP1 chassis from 2018 that will be available to customer teams. The British marque plans to produce ten chassis to support three two-car teams.
"I’m hugely thankful to the ACO for the opportunity to run at the front and challenge for overall podiums," Ginetta chairman Lawrence Tomlinson said. "The Ginetta design team’s ability has already been proven by the class dominating Ginetta LMP3 and G57.
"The performance of the Ginetta LMP1 is going to be amazing. We are now offering a genuine ladder for our customers all the way from first race to Le Mans which is incredibly exciting for me."
"More great news for endurance racing!" ACO president Pierre Fillon added. "Ginetta has proven its expertise in creating successful high performance chassis in G57 and Ginetta LMP3 categories and entering LMP1, the top tier category of endurance racing, appears now to be an obvious move for Ginetta as it moves forward.
"The valued expertise of Ginetta’s partners for this programme is also very promising for the 2018 FIA World Endurance Championship.”
Ginetta's statement also revealed that it is in "advanced talks with engine supplier MECACHROME as well as gearbox manufacturers Xtrac for the drive train.
"The car will be around 60kg lighter than a P2 and have up to 200BHP more. Accompanied with the huge downforce that their new aerodynamic team will develop, Ginetta is confident this will be a class-leading car."
Ginetta is poised to begin LMP1 testing following this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
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