What Is 2019 Michelin Le Mans Cup

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Michelin Le Mans Cup was a European endurance racing series organized by the ACO, running from April 12 to November 2, 2019, featuring 6 rounds across iconic circuits like Spa-Francorchamps and Barcelona, supporting the European Le Mans Series.

Key Facts

The 2019 season ran from April 12 to November 2, 2019, with 6 rounds
It featured LMP3 and GT3-spec cars in two separate classes
All races were 55 minutes long and held across Europe
The series supported the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) events
DKR Engineering won the LMP3 Teams' title; Kessel Racing won GT Teams' title

Overview

The 2019 Michelin Le Mans Cup was a one-make endurance racing series organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), serving as a support series to the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). It featured both LMP3 prototype and GT3-spec cars competing in separate classes, providing a platform for amateur and emerging professional drivers.

Running from April to November 2019, the series visited six prestigious European circuits, combining sprint-format races with endurance-style driving techniques. The championship emphasized close competition and technical parity through regulated car specifications and tire control by Michelin.

LMP3 Class: Utilized the Nissan VK50VE 5.0L V8 engine in all Ligier, ADESS, and Duqueine chassis, ensuring performance balance across entries.
GT3 Class: Featured GT3-spec machinery from manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini, with BoP adjustments applied by the ACO.
Race Format: Each round consisted of a single 55-minute race, including mandatory pit stops and driver changes, simulating endurance conditions.
Calendar: The season began at Imola on April 12 and concluded at Portimão, Portugal, on November 2, supporting ELMS events.
Eligibility: Open to bronze- and silver-rated drivers, promoting accessibility for amateur and semi-professional talent.

How It Works

The Michelin Le Mans Cup operates under ACO regulations, blending prototype and grand touring categories into a unified support series with strict technical parity and sporting fairness.

Class Structure: Two categories—LMP3 and GT3—run simultaneously but are scored independently, allowing prototype and GT teams to compete for separate titles.
Driver Ratings:Minimum driver ratings required: Bronze or Silver for LMP3, with Pro-Am lineups encouraged in GT3 entries.
Tire Supplier:Michelin provided control tires for all teams, with each car receiving a limited allocation per race weekend to manage costs.
Balance of Performance:BoP adjustments were issued quarterly for GT3 cars to ensure competitive parity among different manufacturers.
Scoring System: Points awarded based on finishing position, with additional points for pole position and fastest lap in each class.
Team Requirements: Each entry required at least two drivers and a single car, with mandatory pit stops including tire changes and driver swaps.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key elements between the LMP3 and GT3 classes in the 2019 Michelin Le Mans Cup:

Feature	LMP3 Class	GT3 Class
Car Type	Ligier JS P3, ADESS-03, Duqueine D08	Ferrari 488, Porsche 911 GT3 R, Lamborghini Huracán
Engine	Nissan VK50VE 5.0L V8	Varies by manufacturer
Power Output	Approximately 470 hp	480–560 hp depending on model
Weight	930 kg minimum	1,200–1,300 kg depending on BoP
Top Speed	Up to 295 km/h (183 mph)	Up to 305 km/h (190 mph)

The LMP3 class prioritized aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight design, while GT3 cars offered higher torque and street-derived engineering. Despite different performance envelopes, both classes competed on the same track during races, separated only by timing and pit strategy. This dual-class format allowed teams and drivers to experience diverse racing dynamics within a single event weekend.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Michelin Le Mans Cup played a vital role in developing driver talent and promoting endurance racing across Europe, serving as a proving ground for future Le Mans 24 Hours participants.

Talent Pipeline: Many drivers used the series as a stepping stone to ELMS or WEC, including future LMP2 competitors.
Cost Control: The one-make engine in LMP3 reduced development costs, making prototype racing more accessible to privateer teams.
Global Exposure: Held at high-profile circuits, the series attracted international teams from 10+ countries, boosting visibility.
Manufacturer Testing: GT3 entries allowed brands like Ferrari and Porsche to evaluate new setups and driver lineups in competitive settings.
Fan Engagement: Support races at major events increased attendance and TV viewership for the ELMS weekend experience.
Sustainability Focus: Michelin’s involvement emphasized fuel-efficient tire compounds and reduced environmental impact through optimized usage.

By balancing technical regulation with competitive access, the 2019 Michelin Le Mans Cup reinforced the ACO’s mission to grow endurance motorsport at the grassroots and professional levels alike.