The LMDh competitors reveal their cards
After Porsche, Audi, and Cadillac, it's BMW's turn to announce its partner for the development of its LMDh prototype. An opportunity to take a look at the alliances to watch.
Cadillac and BMW set their sights on Dallara.
We described it in a previous article; competitors wishing to compete in the LMDh category must choose a chassis partner from the four approved in LMP2, namely: Oreca, Ligier, Riley/Multimatic, and Dallara.
Just like Cadillac, BMW has chosen Dallara. The agreement has just been signed within the premises of the Italian company, in Varano de Melegari. After several years in the GTLM category in IMSA, the Munich-based firm has decided to commit to the LMDh category of the North American championship starting in 2023. With such a car, BMW can also aim for victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, no information has yet been released regarding a possible commitment to European rounds.
The VAG group opts for Multimatic
Audi and Porsche, two brands belonging to the Volkswagen group, had already announced a few weeks ago a partnership with Multimatic. While the identity of the operational teams defending the interests of the Ingolstadt brand remains unknown for now, it is already known that Porsche will ally with Team Penske. When we recall the exploits achieved by the Porsche RS Spyder engaged by the same team in the American Le Mans Series, there is no doubt that the competition will have a tough task ahead. The two manufacturers have indeed planned to take part in the WEC and therefore in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Who will support Acura?
On its side, Acura is also working on designing its LMDh prototype. Although its chassis partner has not yet been revealed, it is worth noting that Honda’s luxury brand is currently involved in IMSA with the ARX-05, a DPi category car based on the Oreca 07 chassis. Acura being a brand marketed in North America, the choice to compete in IMSA from 2023 is more than logical. While the arrival of the next LMDh at the 24 Hours of Le Mans has not been confirmed, there is a real willingness from the Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing operating teams to cross the Atlantic to go to Le Mans with the newborn.
