CREVENTIC, in accordance with Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), is pleased to confirm the first array of regulations for the inaugural Prototype Cup Germany, a series spotlighting LMP3 Le Mans prototypes set to begin at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on 22-23-24 April. 

Among the most significant of the confirmed regulations are the category of prototype sports cars eligible for competition, with new (2020 and older) and old (2019 and younger) generation LMP3 prototypes with a homologated update kit among the most prominent. The LMP3 division was introduced in 2015 as a cost-effective steppingstone for aspiring Le Mans racers. 

Each closed-cockpit LMP3 model is powered by a naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre Nissan V8 and weighs just 950kg, with the most recognisable models today produced by Adess (03 EVO), Duqueine (D-08), Ginetta (G61-LT-P3 and the Juno P3) and Ligier (JS P3).

Ligier JS P4s that meet FFSA homologation are also eligible to compete. First presented in 2018 as a sport prototype designed for ‘gentlemen’ drivers and budding endurance racers, the closed canopy JS P4 boasts a carbon monocoque and also weighs 920kg, though the mid-mounted, 3.7-litre ‘Cyclone’ Ford V6 produces a maximum of 385hp compared with the larger P3’s 420hp. 

Finally, competitors entering ‘CN’ category prototypes are welcome to race, albeit only those examples built from 2015 onwards. Each CN registered must feature a carbon monocoque, and either a 2.0-litre Honda or a supercharged 1.6-litre Peugeot engine that boasts no more than 310hp. Balance of Performance for CN models will be adjusted to the equivalent of around 2-4 seconds per laps slower with the competing LMP3 machinery. 

All entered vehicles will be fitted with a mandatory datalogger. 

Between one and two drivers can be entered per car for each race, with each competitor expected to hold at least an International C racing licence. Platinum and/or Gold-grade drivers are not eligible to compete in the Prototype Cup Germany.

In an effort to keep the competition balanced, pit stop times will also be adjusted according to each team’s respective driver line-ups. A car driven by two Bronze drivers for example will be expected to pit for at least 95 seconds during each race, while a Bronze-Silver driver line-up will be required to stop for 105 seconds. The more experienced Silver-Silver line-up must stop for a minimum of 115 seconds. 

A car featuring just one Bronze or Silver-level driver is allowed, though an additional five seconds will be added to their mandatory pit stop time.

The championship structure of the Prototype Cup Germany is also in place. Points earned by LMP3-entered drivers will count towards an Overall championship crown, while category titles will also be awarded to the highest point scorers in the ‘P4’ and ‘CN’ classes. Young drivers will contest the ‘Junior’ title, while Bronze and/or gentlemen drivers will earn points towards the Trophy Championship. 

Following the inaugural round of the Prototype Cup Germany at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on 22-23-24 April – a race that will also support that weekend’s Hankook 12H SPA – round two will take place at the Nürburgring on 15-16 17 July. Thereafter competitors travel to the Lausitzring on 19-20-21 August ahead of the championship decider at the Hockenheimring on 21-22-23 October. The latter will also support that weekend’s ADAC GT Masters season finale.

The Prototype Cup Germany will be organised as a collaborative effort between CREVENTIC and ADAC, organiser behind GT Masters and TCR Germany, and is set to run as a national addition to the European-wide Michelin Le Mans Cup.