With 44 cars entered for the full season, the ELMS is proving a popular choice for endurance competitors. The LM P2 class boasts 12 cars instead of 11 in Austria, with IDEC Sport Racing’s Ligier JS P2 back on track for this round. Thiriet by TDS Racing’s Oreca 05 will have a star at the wheel in the shape of Toyota factory driver Mike Conway. He replaces Ryo Hirakawa who has obligations in the Japanese Super GT. The Oreca 05 is used to victory, having taken the chequered flag at Imola and Red Bull Ring.

LM P3 is the biggest class, with no less than 20 cars on the grid, one more than in the last round. Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup competitors Tockwith Motorsports join the group with a Ligier JS P3 driven by Nigel Moore and Philip Hansen. That makes nineteen Ligier JS P3s to challenge the United Autosports crew: Alex Brundle, Mike Guash and Christian England have won each round so far this season.

No change in LM GTE, which still comprises eight cars. But size isn’t everything. The three constructors in the class, Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin are offering a spectacular tussle to be top dog this season, with each winning one round. Ferrari has the advantage of outnumbering its opponents, with five 458 Italias on the grid.

Over the weekend, spectators at Circuit Paul Ricard will be able to watch the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup, the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and the Renault Sport Trophy as well as the ELMS 4 Hours of Le Castellet.

Track action starts on Friday 26 August with a 30-minute session for FIA bronze-rated drivers followed by the first free practice session. The second practice is on Saturday morning and the three qualifying sessions in the afternoon. Sunday is ELMS race day. The 4 Hours of Le Castellet kicks off at 14:00.

Entry List

Schedule

Photo: adrenalmedia.com/ELMS

Start of the 4 Hours of Red Bull Ring