LMP2 and LMGT3 categories explained
LMP2 and LMGT3: what these classes are for, who races in them, which chassis and cars, and how they coexist with the Hypercars in endurance racing.
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans and across the endurance championships, several categories share the track. At the top, the Hypercars fight for the overall win. Below them, two essential classes make up the bulk of the field and produce often thrilling racing: LMP2 and LMGT3. Here is their role, their cars and their drivers.
LMP2: accessible, evenly matched prototypes
LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype 2) is a class of closed prototypes, faster than the GTs but slower than the Hypercars. Its great strength is homogeneity: to control costs and tighten the competition, the rules impose a very tightly defined technical framework.
- Chassis. In LMP2 the reference chassis is supplied by Oreca, which has become the dominant base of the class. This standardisation brings the cars' performance very close together.
- Engine. A common powertrain equips the cars, further reinforcing the fairness of the field.
- The result. Because the cars are so similar, the difference comes down to the drivers, strategy and reliability. LMP2 battles are regularly among the closest and most spectacular of the race, with dozens of overtakes and tiny gaps after many hours.
Who races in LMP2?
LMP2 brings together mixed crews combining seasoned professionals and, depending on the event, drivers with amateur status. It is a category reputed to be a springboard: young drivers build their experience of endurance and prototype driving there, while experienced drivers find a highly competitive playground. It is often where the future Hypercar talents emerge.
LMGT3: the big brands in Grand Touring cars
LMGT3 is the class of Grand Touring cars, derived from sporty road models. This is where you find the recognisable bodies of the major manufacturers, which makes it a class much loved by the public and strategic for the brands, keen to associate their image with endurance racing.
- GT3-type cars. LMGT3 is based on the GT3 regulations, a globally widespread standard used in many championships. This opens the door to a wide range of models from different brands.
- Great diversity. Unlike the very homogeneous LMP2, LMGT3 fields cars with varied silhouettes and engines. It is the Balance of Performance that brings their performance closer to guarantee balanced fights.
- The spectacle. Cars heavier and slower than the prototypes, but fierce duels and a great variety of brands on track.
Who races in LMGT3?
LMGT3 requires crews made up of drivers from different grades, mixing professionals and amateurs (the GT driver grading system is specific to the discipline). This compulsory mix is part of the category's DNA: a gentleman driver can share a car with top-level professionals, adding a strong human and strategic dimension, especially in managing stints and night conditions.
How these classes coexist on track
The great challenge of multi-class endurance is traffic. Hypercars, LMP2s and LMGT3s run together at very different speeds. The fastest constantly lap the slowest, and every overtake between categories is a delicate moment, especially at night or in the rain. Traffic management is a skill in its own right: a good driver knows how to anticipate, pick the right place to pass and lose as little time as possible. It is also what makes live timing so valuable for following the race (see our guide on following the weekend).
Why these categories matter
LMP2 and LMGT3 are not mere extras behind the Hypercars. They fill the field, guarantee races within the race, offer a learning path to drivers and allow many private teams and great Grand Touring brands to take part in the Le Mans legend. To explore the entries, see the drivers and manufacturers pages, and dive back into the roll of honour to see how these categories too have written the history of endurance racing.