Plans for a six-round series in Australia next year for Le Mans-style LMP3 sports prototype cars has been announced following an agreement between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, (ACO) and LMP3 Cup Australia Pty Ltd. The proposed  LMP3 Cup Australia series has been endorsed by the controlling body of motorsport, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS).

A calendar has yet to be established for the series but organisers hope to link it to the existing Asian LeMans Series in the hope that some competitors will race in both series.

For the Australian series, the outright winning team receives free entry to the Asian Le Mans Series for the following season. From there they will compete for the subsequent prize of an invitation to enter the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2020.

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca says that the LMP3 series will plays another crucial role in Australia’s link to the global driver pathway.

“LMP3 will be an exciting addition to the Australian motor sport scene in a category that is popular around the world,” he said.

“This category has already seen its share of success with series in Asia, Europe and the USA. It will no doubt help young drivers help establish their careers here too and provide more opportunities to race.”

LMP3 is a cheaper and less complex version of the outright Le Mans LMP1 sports car formula. The cars are all powered by a 5-litre Nissan V8 engine but it is not a control-chassis formula, with five ACO designated constructors currently producing LMP3 customer cars.

LMP3 Cup Australia spokesperson, and driver, Josh Hunt says the series is a boost for young drivers with international aspirations.

“The concept of fast, great sounding cars that are cost effective to run has been so successful around the world and it is so exciting to bring it to Australia,” Hunt said.

“We have seen so many Australian drivers travel overseas to compete in LMP3 recently, so now LMP3 Cup Australia gives those drivers a place to compete in Australia and also gives so many more drivers the opportunity to progress to Le Mans and prototype racing.

“The partnership with ACO gives Australian drivers a better opportunity than ever to progress into overseas racing and hopefully a world championship in WEC like Mark Webber, Alex Davison and Matt Campbell.”