With 44 full season entries, and an increase in the number of LMP3 competitors, the European Le Mans Series will change the qualifying format from two 20 minute to three 10 minute sessions in 2016.

After consulting with the teams and receiving unanimous approval for the change, the new format will be run for the first time at Round 1 at Silverstone on the 16 April and will be as follows –

One 10 minute session reserved for cars for the LMGTE cars
One 10 minute session reserved for cars for the LMP3 cars
One 10 minute session reserved for cars for the LMP2 cars

In previous seasons there were two 20 minute sessions, the first for LMGTE and GTC competitors, followed by a second session for LMP2 and LMP3. With the advent of the new Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup meaning there is no GTC class in the 2016 European Le Mans Series and with 35 entries across the two prototype classes, it was decided to move to three 10 minute sessions.

The only possible exception will be for Round 5 at Spa-Francorchamps. With a 7km circuit, the session times may be increased to allow competitors to complete enough laps during qualifying.

The 2016 European Le Mans Series will begin next week with the pre season Official Test at the Circuit Paul Ricard on the 22/23 March. The six round series will begin at Silverstone (GBR) in April with five more 4-hour races at Imola (ITA), Red Bull Ring (AUT), Paul Ricard (FRA), Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) and Estoril (PRT).

Photo : MacLean Photographic