DSC sources suggest that the first of the 2017 LMP chassis to hit the track, the Ligier JS P217 (above in the wind tunnel), is in action for the first time today at Val de Vienne ahead of its official unveiling at Spa Francorchamps on 23 September.

Extreme Speed Motorsport, Panis Barthez, RGR Sport and IDEC Sport are believed to be amongst the teams that have already placed orders amongst a total of 8 chassis that a senior Onroak source reported last month as being sold so far.

The new Oreca 07 meanwhile is understood to be shaking down within the next two weeks too.

Dragonspeed (2) and Graff Racing (1) are the confirmed customers so far for the new car with most current 05 customers expected to upgrade their cars (the ORECA is the only current chassis capable of an upgrade to 2017 spec) though both Dragonspeed (current car) and DC Racing seem set to leave their cars in 05 spec at present, the Dragonspeed car for sale post season in the USA and the Baxi DC Racing car bound for the Asian Le Mans Series.