What Is 2017 European Le Mans Series

Overview

The 2017 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) was the 14th season of the modern ELMS era, serving as a European counterpart to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a feeder series for the FIA World Endurance Championship. Organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), the series featured endurance-style races with a four-hour duration, designed to develop driver talent and prototype technology.

With a focus on cost-effective, competitive racing, the 2017 ELMS attracted teams from across Europe and beyond. The season included six rounds across iconic circuits, offering automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans for class-winning teams, enhancing its prestige and competitive depth.

• Monza opener: The season kicked off on April 16 at Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Italy, with a full field across LMP2, LMP3, and GTE classes.
• Six-round calendar: Events were held in Italy, Austria, France, Great Britain, Belgium, and Portugal, concluding on October 22 at Algarve International Circuit.
• LMP2 dominance: G-Drive Racing won the LMP2 title with drivers Roman Rusinov, Andrea Pizzitola, and Jean-Éric Vergne in the #26 Aurus 01.
• LMP3 breakthrough: United Autosports claimed the LMP3 championship with Jack McCarthy and Wayne Boyd, marking a strong debut season for the team.
• GTE competition: The #78 Kessel Racing Ferrari 488 GTE, driven by Christian Ried, Matteo Cairoli, and Ralf Bohn, secured the GTE title after consistent podium finishes.

How It Works

The ELMS operates on a class-based endurance racing format, with each race lasting four hours and requiring multiple drivers per car. This structure emphasizes strategy, reliability, and teamwork, mirroring the format of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

• LMP2 Class: Features 4.2L V8-powered prototypes with a minimum weight of 930 kg and a performance window regulated by the ACO.
• LMP3 Class: Entry-level prototypes using a 5.0L Nissan V8 engine and standardized Ligier, Ginetta, or Dallara chassis to control costs.
• GTE Class: Grand Touring cars based on production models like the Ferrari 488 GTE and Porsche 911 RSR, with strict Balance of Performance rules.
• Driver rotation: Each car must use 2–3 drivers during the four-hour race, with mandatory minimum driving stints enforced.
• Points system: Points are awarded down to 20th place, with 25 points for first, scaling down, plus bonus points for pole and fastest lap.
• Le Mans qualification: Winning teams in each class earn an automatic invitation to the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, a major incentive.

Comparison at a Glance

ELMS classes varied in performance, cost, and technical regulations—here's how they compared in 2017:

The table highlights the technical and financial diversity across ELMS categories. While LMP2 represented the pinnacle of performance and budget, LMP3 served as a training ground for young drivers, and GTE offered manufacturer-based competition using modified production vehicles. This structure allowed teams of varying resources to compete in a unified series.

Why It Matters

The 2017 ELMS played a crucial role in the global endurance racing ecosystem, bridging amateur and professional motorsport. Its influence extended beyond the track, shaping careers and technological development in sports car racing.

• Le Mans pathway: The series provided a direct route to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making it a strategic target for teams and drivers.
• Driver development: Young talents like Wayne Boyd and Matteo Cairoli used ELMS as a platform to advance to WEC or Formula 1 support roles.
• Cost control: The ACO enforced strict budget caps and spec components, especially in LMP3, to maintain accessibility.
• Global reach: Despite being European-based, the series attracted entries from North America, Asia, and the Middle East, enhancing its international profile.
• Technical innovation: LMP2 regulations encouraged aerodynamic and hybrid research, influencing future prototype designs.
• Fan engagement: Free live streaming and trackside events increased visibility, growing the fan base across 120+ countries.

Overall, the 2017 ELMS season reinforced the ACO’s vision of sustainable, competitive endurance racing. By balancing performance, cost, and opportunity, it remained a cornerstone of sports car motorsport in Europe.