The LMP2 marketplace seems very lively at present, and not just because a number of teams have been seeking out spare ORECA chassis!

DSC Sources have fed in a number of interesting strands to the general feel of things including:

Again several likely new-to LMP2 teams may well be set to join the ELMS in 2020, including teams with Dallara or Ligier chassis;

The ELMS is likely to see stability of numbers at worst into 2020 (with 18 full season LMP2 entries this year!);

Other teams are looking to double up single car 2019 entries into 2020;

6-8 Gibson-powered LMP2s look likely for the forthcoming 2019/ 20 Asian Le Mans Series, with additional pre-2017 LMP2s in the newly created LMP2 Am class, set to feature both Ligier and ORECA chassis.

And other LMP2 prospects are emerging for IMSA, sources again suggest that 4-6 regular entries look possible/ probable (PR1 Mathiesen x 2, Performance Tech, Rick Ware Racing, plus others) plus additional cars for the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona with DragonSpeed again set to enter.

One of the major story strands around LMP2 though is around the measures that will be taken to slow down the current LMP2s when Hypercar arrives in the 2020/ 21 season of the FIA WEC.

Some ferreting around the current picture has seen the following options emerge.

Whatever happens the new measures for LMP2 are set to be applied across the board (ELMS (most likely in 2020), 2020/21 WEC and 2020/21 Asian LMS);

A number of methods have been examined and the addition of significant added weight has not been adopted as a favoured option;

A close look at the performance of the LMP2s in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship seems to have been undertaken to examine how the reduction in peak RPM has affected the cars.

It is that measure that seems to be at the heart of the lead proposal for now, but with no final decision made.

The single tyre manufacturer plan for Hypercar is set to be applied to each other class too with current discussions from the ACO focusing on Michelin and Goodyear, though a third supplier has expressed interest. Only two are likely to be confirmed with Goodyear and Michelin very much the front-runners.