Three of the four licensed LMP2 constructors will be allowed to run upgraded chassis in global sportscar competitions next season.
Riley, Ligier and Dallara have all been granted dispensation to enhance their cars in an attempt to close the gap between them and the chassis produced by ORECA (pictured) which won its class and finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.
The ORECA 07 will not be allowed to upgrade, based on its performances at Le Mans and in the European Le Mans Series, which it leads through customer outfit G-Drive Racing.
Changes will not apply to the World Endurance Championship, because only teams running the ORECA option committed to the full 2017 campaign.
The current regulations, established at the start of 2017, limited the number of LMP2 constructors to four in a bid to cut running costs for teams.
It also implemented the rule that each car must use the same naturally-aspirated Gibson V8 engine.
The extent of the upgrades granted to the Riley Mk. 30, Ligier JSP217 and Dallara P217 have not been released by the ACO, but a statement issued by the Le Mans organiser promised a level of performance on par with that of the ORECA.
The statement said:
"The ACO and the FIA have made clear to the different protagonists the rules and objectives of these modifications: namely, to maintain the competitiveness of the three constructors in relation to Oreca in 2018 without, however, these modifications giving one of them a consistent advantage compared to the benchmark car."
"The ultimate aim is to ensure that LMP2 remains a category in which variety and hotly-contested racing prevail."
The changes will also apply to the IMSA Sportscar Championship's DPi category, which uses the global-spec LMP2s as a baseline for manufacturer-badged cars.
Mazda uses the Riley for its North American model, while Nissan uses the Ligier and Cadillac the Dallara.
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