What Is 2015 European Le Mans Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) was a sports car endurance racing championship organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), featuring four rounds across Europe between April and October 2015. It served as a development platform for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with categories including LMP2, LMP3, and GTE.

Key Facts

The 2015 ELMS season consisted of 4 rounds held between April and October 2015
47 entries competed across three main classes: LMP2, LMP3, and GTE
The season began on April 12, 2015 at Silverstone Circuit in the UK
Kodewa / Lotus won the LMP2 class championship with drivers Martin Kolář and Klaus Abbelen
All races were 4-hour endurance events, designed to prepare teams for Le Mans

Overview

The 2015 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) was a key endurance racing championship sanctioned by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It provided a competitive platform for professional and amateur drivers in prototype and grand tourer categories, serving as a feeder series to the World Endurance Championship and Le Mans itself.

Running from April to October 2015, the season featured four 4-hour races across iconic European circuits. Designed to promote young talent and privateer teams, the ELMS emphasized cost-effective endurance racing while maintaining high technical standards across multiple vehicle classes.

47 entries participated across the LMP2, LMP3 (introduced in 2015), and GTE categories, reflecting strong international interest in the series.
The season kicked off on April 12, 2015 at Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom, drawing a full grid of prototypes and GTs.
Races were structured as 4-hour endurance events, testing team strategy, driver stamina, and mechanical reliability under sustained conditions.
The LMP3 class debuted in 2015, offering a lower-cost entry point for young drivers into endurance racing with Nissan-powered Ligier and Ginetta chassis.
Championship points were awarded down to 10th place, with bonus points for pole position and leading a lap to encourage competitive racing.

How It Works

The ELMS operates as a structured racing series with defined classes, scoring, and technical regulations aligned with ACO standards. Each event follows a consistent format with practice, qualifying, and a 4-hour race, emphasizing team coordination and endurance.

LMP2 Class: Features professional teams using 4.0L V8-powered prototypes with a minimum weight of 930 kg; drivers must meet ACO bronze, silver, or gold ratings.
LMP3 Class: Introduced in 2015, this class uses Nissan VK50VE 5.0L V8 engines in chassis like Ligier JS P3, capped at 375 horsepower for cost control.
GTE Class: Based on production-based GT cars like Porsche 911 RSR and Ferrari 458 Italia, modified for endurance racing with aerodynamic kits and roll cages.
Driver Ratings: Teams must include at least one bronze-rated driver in LMP3 and GTE to promote driver development and balance competition.
Scoring System: Points are awarded from 1st to 10th place, with 18 points for a win and additional points for pole and leading a lap.
Le Mans Access: Champions in each ELMS category receive automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, enhancing the series’ prestige.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the three main classes in the 2015 ELMS by performance, cost, and technical specs:

Category	Top Speed	Engine	Weight	Cost (approx.)
LMP2	330 km/h	4.0L V8 (Judd, Honda, etc.)	930 kg	$600,000
LMP3	285 km/h	5.0L V8 (Nissan VK50VE)	850 kg	$250,000
GTE	300 km/h	V8 (Porsche), V8 (Ferrari)	1,240 kg	$400,000
Chassis Makers	—	Lola, Oreca, Ligier	—	—
Power Output	530 hp	375 hp	470 hp	—

The LMP2 class remained the fastest and most technologically advanced, while LMP3 provided an affordable entry point. GTE balanced performance with production-based engineering, appealing to manufacturer-backed teams and privateers alike.

Why It Matters

The 2015 ELMS played a crucial role in shaping the future of endurance racing by nurturing emerging talent and offering a clear pathway to Le Mans. Its structured format and international calendar made it a cornerstone of the ACO’s global racing ecosystem.

Development Pipeline: The series served as a proving ground for future WEC and Le Mans drivers, including future champions like Alex Brundle.
Cost Efficiency: With LMP3 priced under $300,000, the ELMS offered a more accessible alternative to the WEC for private teams.
Global Exposure: Races in the UK, France, Austria, and Portugal provided pan-European visibility for sponsors and teams.
Technical Innovation: The 2015 season tested new aerodynamic regulations and safety features later adopted in higher series.
Gender Inclusion: The ELMS supported initiatives like Women in Racing, promoting diversity in motorsport engineering and driving.
Legacy: The 2015 format influenced the 2016–2020 ELMS structure, cementing its role in endurance racing development.

By blending competitive racing with developmental goals, the 2015 ELMS strengthened the foundation of modern sports car endurance racing and expanded opportunities across driver, team, and technical levels.