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British constructor Ginetta is set to design and build an LMP1 car for 2018, according to Autosport sister title motorsport.com.

A study into an LMP1 design has been ongoing since the early part of 2016, but a senior source within the Leeds-based manufacturer has confirmed the project is about to be given the green light.

The design of the car, which will be spearheaded by Ginetta technical director Ewan Baldry, is believed to be underway.

The target is to test the car for the first time in the second half of 2017.

It is understood Mecachrome and AER are both being considered to supply engines.

The planned LMP1 project, which could be announced next month, is set to run in a revamped World Endurance Championship privateer trophy, which is likely to include the ByKolles team and the new BR Engineering LMP1, which is being produced in collaboration with Dallara.

It would be Ginetta's first entry into the top class of sportscar racing since 2010, the second and final year of the Ginetta-Zytek GZ09S that was run at the Le Mans 24 Hours by LNT and Strakka Racing in 2009, and Beechdean-Mansell the following year (pictured above).

Ginetta currently produces LMP3 machinery, winning the European Le Mans Series class title with Charlie Robertson and Chris Hoy in 2015.

It had planned to expand into LMP2, but Ginetta was not chosen as one of the four chassis suppliers for 2017.