ROAD TO LE MANS - 2026 MICHELIN LE MANS CUP FOR LMP3 & GT3
ROAD TO LE MANS
Websites:
https://www.lemanscup.com/en/page/competitors
https://www.lemanscup.com/en/page/classification
WHAT IS THE MICHELIN LE MANS CUP?
From Michelin website
“Over the years, the Michelin Le Mans Cup has become the main series for amateur drivers looking for an introduction to Endurance racing. Launched in 2016, the competition takes place on some of Europe’s most iconic circuits - Barcelona, Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Portimao and, of course, the full 12.6km circuit at Le Mans. The MLMC is also the first step into the world of endurance racing for the young stars of tomorrow.
The 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup grid is the largest ever in the history of the series and features 45 cars this season, divided into three classes: 24 in LMP3, 11 in LMP3 Pro/Am and 10 in GT3.
In the LMP3 and LMP3 Pro/Am categories, known as « Le Mans Prototype 3 », all cars are built according to the ACO LMP3 technical regulation, with four different chassis to choose from: Ligier JS P325, Duqueine D09, ADESS AD25, and Ginetta G61-LT-P325 Evo. The 2026 grid will feature 29 Ligier JS P325s and 6 Duqueine D09s, all powered by the same Oreca built Toyota V35A V6 Twin Turbo engine.
The eligible car list in the GT3 category extends to every constructor that has an approved FIA GT3 chassis. Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO, Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, Porsche 911 GT3 R Type 992, and McLaren 720S GT3 EVO are entered in the series this year. Other manufacturers are also eligible: Bentley, BMW, Lexus, Corvette, Nissan, Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini and Audi.
2026 TECHNICAL AND SPORTING REGULATIONS
CLICK HERE to download the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup Technical and Sporting Regulations.
2026 NEW FORMAT
The annual trip to Le Mans, Road To Le Mans in June will now, for the first time, feature a single three-hour race on the full 13.6km Circuit de La Sarthe on Friday 12th June instead of the two 1-hour races run at previous events in support of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
COMPETITORS
- 45 are allowed to race during the 2026 season of the Michelin Le Mans Cup.
- Three categories are running on track: LMP3, LMP3 Pro/Am, and GT3 (more information about the category here).
- Line-ups are composed of two drivers per car, including one FIA-ranked Bronze driver for the LMP3 Pro/Am and the GT3 categories. Platinum drivers can’t participate in the competition.
REGULATIONS
- Each car must match its current regulations according to the ACO/FIA.
- Cars are inspected before each race by official scrutineers.[MT1]
- Each car runs with a renewable biofuel (Excellium Racing 100) from TotalEnergies.
TYRES
- LMP3, LMP3 Pro-Am and GT3 competitors run with Michelin tyres, the official title partner of the series.
- LMP3, LMP3 Pro-Am and GT3 competitors have one dry and one wet tyre specifications.
- Any equipment for warming the tyres or keeping them to temperature is forbidden.
The Michelin Le Mans Cup is reserved for cars conforming to the current FIA GT3 homologation regulations as well as the LMP3 in conformity with the ACO LMP3 2026 regulations.
Michelin, the title sponsor of the series, will be the exclusive tyre supplier and TotalEnergies will be the official fuel supplier.
LMP3
The LMP3 class was introduced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in 2015 and in 2025 the third generation of LMP3 was introduced. Four manufacturers have been selected to help the ACO take the class forward: Ligier, Duqueine Engineering, Ginetta and Adess.
Competitive cars, a top-flight sporting programme, an affordable budget, a straightforward mechanical set-up and technology within everyone’s reach will continue to form the backbone of the series. LMP3 was designed as a training ground for endurance racing, an arena in which drivers, team members, engineers and mechanics can hone their skills and prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
2025-2029 LMP3 characteristics:
- Oreca is the exclusive powertrain (engine, gearbox and electronics) supplier
- The car will be an upgrade of the manufacturers’ present vehicles, not an entirely new car. An upgrade kit has been defined, covering safety, performance and design
- Customer quality will be a prime concern with technical support at circuits, a spare parts service and a technical passport
Key technical information for LMP3 in 2025-29:
- Engine power has been increased by 15 hp, to 470 hp
- The new Toyota V35A engine was introduced. The new engine, built and prepared by Oreca, will be homologated until the end of 2029 and is more frugal on fuel, and quieter than the previous engine.
- As for the chassis, some safety-related changes have been approved for the driver’s headrest structure and the driver’s seat
LMP3 Race Number Background Colour: GOLD.
LMP3 technical specifications:
Minimum weight
1000 kg
Fuel tank capacity
100 litres
Engine
Toyota V35A
Gearbox
Max 6 gears + reverse
Brakes
Steel discs / max diameter 355.6 mm
Overall length
4650mm (including rear wing)
Overall width
1800 mm and 1900 mm min
Wheels and tyres
Max width
13"
Max diameter
28"
LMP3 Pro/Am
In 2025, the LMP3 grid will include a separate trophy and title for competitors whose cars included a bronze driver in their line-up. This will be known as LMP3 Pro/Am and will run as a separate class.
A 15-minute LMP3 Pro/Am qualifying session for bronze drivers only, with one championship point for claiming pole position.
The cars will be the same as run in the LMP3 category and the crew of 2 must include at least one Bronze driver.
LMP3 Pro/Am Race Number Background Colour: PURPLE.
GT3
The first step on the ladder for competitors wanting to concentrate on endurance racing in GT cars the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup is only open to GT3 cars homologated by the FIA.
The GT3 Le Mans Cup is primarily for amateur drivers, with vehicles close to production models. It is up to each manufacturer to develop its car and provide a precise description in an FIA homologation document. During events, the scrutineers must ensure that the car is in line with its homologation papers and any adjustments decided upon following BoP tests.
GT3 Race Number Background Colour: WHITE “
