What Is 2019 European Le Mans Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) was a six-race endurance racing championship for LMP2, LMP3, and GTE cars, running from April to October 2019 with events across Europe.

Key Facts

The 2019 ELMS season featured 6 races across 5 countries
Races were 4 hours long, including mandatory pit stops and driver changes
United Autosports won the LMP2 Teams' Championship
Jack Aitken and Filipe Albuquerque shared LMP2 Drivers' title
The season finale was held at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on October 13, 2019

Overview

The 2019 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) was the 16th season of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO)-sanctioned endurance racing series. Designed as a proving ground for teams and drivers aiming for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the series featured professional and amateur competitors across multiple prototype and GT classes.

Spanning from April to October 2019, the championship consisted of six 4-hour races held at iconic European circuits. The series emphasized cost-effective endurance racing with strict regulations to ensure close competition and driver development.

LMP2 class featured 3.6L V6 turbocharged prototypes with a minimum weight of 930 kg and mandatory driver changes every 45 minutes.
The 2019 season opener took place at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France, on April 14, drawing 37 entries across all classes.
LMP3 category used 2.8L Nissan V8 engines in cars like the Ligier JS P3, with a maximum speed of approximately 290 km/h.
GTE class included modified versions of road-going sports cars such as the Porsche 911 RSR and Ferrari 488 GTE, limited to 500 horsepower.
Barcelona finale on October 13 concluded the season, with 34 cars registered, making it one of the most competitive rounds.

How It Works

The ELMS operates under ACO regulations, mirroring those of the FIA World Endurance Championship but tailored for emerging teams and drivers. Each race weekend includes practice, qualifying, and a 4-hour endurance race with mandatory driver rotations and pit stops.

Entry Requirements: Teams must register with ACO and meet technical and safety standards; entries capped at 38 cars per race to ensure track safety and manageability.
Race Format: Each 4-hour race requires at least two drivers per car and a minimum of one pit stop for tires and refueling, simulating Le Mans conditions.
Scoring System: Points awarded from 1st (25 pts) to 10th (1 pt), with an extra point for pole position and fastest lap in each class.
Driver Categories: Uses FIA driver rankings: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze; LMP3 and GTE classes require at least one Bronze or Silver driver.
Parity Regulations: Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments made before each race to equalize performance across different car models and manufacturers.
Cost Control: Strict budget caps and standardized parts, such as Eneos fuel and Michelin tires, help keep operating costs below €1 million per season for LMP2 teams.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 ELMS with similar endurance series in terms of format, cost, and accessibility.

Series	Races per Season	Avg. Cost (LMP2)	Driver Requirements	Path to Le Mans
2019 ELMS	6	€800,000–€1M	2 drivers, 1 Bronze/Silver minimum	Automatic invitation for class winners
FIA WEC	8	€2M–€5M	2–3 drivers, Pro/Am mix	Direct participation
IMSA WeatherTech (USA)	10	€1.5M–€3M	3–4 drivers, endurance rules	Not direct
Asian Le Mans Series	4	€600,000–€900,000	2 drivers, amateur-friendly	Automatic invitation
British LMP3 Cup	7	€300,000	Single driver or 2-driver teams	Path via ELMS entry

This comparison highlights ELMS’s role as a mid-tier endurance series, balancing professional competition with affordability. Its structure allows emerging drivers to gain experience while offering teams a realistic path to the 24 Hours of Le Mans through automatic invitations for class champions.

Why It Matters

The 2019 ELMS played a crucial role in the global endurance racing ecosystem, serving as a talent incubator and technical testing ground. Its influence extends beyond the track, shaping careers and manufacturer strategies.

Driver Development: Future Formula 1 and WEC stars like Louis Delétraz and Robert Kubica used ELMS to refine endurance racing skills before moving to top-tier series.
Le Mans Access: Winning teams in each ELMS class received automatic entry to the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, a major incentive for competitors.
Manufacturer Testing: Porsche, Ferrari, and Ligier used the series to test new components and race strategies under real-world conditions.
Cost Efficiency: Lower entry costs compared to WEC made ELMS a preferred choice for privateer teams aiming to build endurance programs.
Global Reach: Despite being European-based, the series attracted teams from North America, Asia, and the Middle East, enhancing its international profile.
Regulation Influence: ELMS rules often precede or mirror ACO global standards, influencing future Le Mans Prototype and GT regulations.

By bridging amateur and professional motorsport, the 2019 ELMS strengthened the pipeline of talent and innovation feeding into the world’s most prestigious endurance races.