French LMP2 chassis constructor ORECA has expressed its concern at plans to allow rival manufacturers to upgrade their cars next season.
An FIA/ACO statement published on Saturday confirmed that Riley, Ligier and Dallara will be permitted to develop their machines to bring them closer to the ORECA 07 (pictured) which filled out the top three places at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
ORECA is the only manufacturer with customers in the World Endurance Championship, and currently leads the European Le Mans Series against entries from Ligier and Dallara.
The 2017 LMP2 regulations limited the number of LMP2 chassis manufacturers to four, with all cars powered by the same naturally-aspirated Gibson V8 engine.
ORECA released a follow-up statement on Monday, in which it argues that it has been "unjustly penalised" by the category organisers, and that LMP2 is veering towards becoming a "balance of performance" formula.
"The ORECA Group takes note of the decisions of the ACO and the FIA, and if we have been informed, we can not talk about concerted action, we do not accept the decisions taken,” the statement said.
“Only the European Le Mans Series was considered, initially in four rounds and then in five. The races of the American IMSA championship, however, were not. These decisions on performance adjustments are not based on data measuring performance deficits contrary to what is provided for in the technical regulation.
"ORECA, being the only manufacturer not authorized to develop its car, is today unjustly penalised, as are the teams that have trusted us and who have successfully entered the ORECA 07."
"We are showing them our utmost support. At the beginning of the project, all LMP2 players agreed on the concept of open competition between four chassis manufacturers working on the same regulatory basis and using the same engine. After less than a year of existence, we are heading towards a balance of performance system that does not correspond to the original concept."
"In the spirit, the performance evolutions were clearly intended not to leave on the roadside a builder who would be in difficulty."
The extent of the upgrades granted to the Riley Mk.30, Ligier JSP217 and Dallara P217 have not been released, but they are believed to also affect the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, which uses the global-spec LMP2 cars as a baseline for the DPi formula.
Acura will enter the championship with the ORECA chassis next season, while Mazda (Riley), Nissan (Ligier) and Cadillac (Dallara) also compete.
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