Construction of the first Ligier JS P217 monocoque has begun, with Onroak Automotive anticipating on-track testing of its new-for-2017 LMP2 contender to begin by the end of August.

The French prototype, which will be one of four chassis eligible for LMP2 and DPi competition beginning next year, will now go through FIA crash testing and homologation later this month.

It follows the finalization of the car’s aerodynamics, through CFD and wind tunnel testing.

“Today, we’ve reached the end of the analysis of numerous design studies and aerodynamic validation for the Ligier JS P217, and we’re very pleased with the results we’ve obtained and the solutions we’ve chosen,” said Nicolas Clémençon, design office manager and chief designer.

“We took advantage of the experience we gained on the Ligier JS P2 for the design of this new LMP2 sports prototype, and in parallel we’ve worked hard on optimizing the different fields of action defined by the new regulations.

“We’ve tried to retain the strong points of the Ligier JS P2, and we’ve improved its weak points by bringing in new aerodynamic concepts that have helped us to achieve a performance gain.

“We’ve reached the objectives we set ourselves at the start of the project.”

Onroak has also confirmed its technical partners for the Ligier JS P17, with Hewland to build the gearboxes and PKM Consulting handling suspension and damper systems for the car.

While each LMP2 constructor will utilize the same Gibson V8 engine and Cosworth electronics, they have freedom in selecting gearbox and suspension partners.

“We’ve worked with companies and people who share our sense of rigor, our philosophy and our passion for motor racing, and who are going to follow us in our determination to provide the best possible customer backup service for our clients,” said Onroak Automotive President Jacques Nicolet.

“Our aim is to make the Ligier JS P217 a car that’s capable of fighting for victory on every kind of circuit.”

Images of the car have yet to be released but the wind tunnel model, shown above, provides a hint of what the JS P217 could look like.