World Endurance Championship LMP2 Class won by Alpine Racing at Lone Star Le Mans

The Alpine Racing Team, consisting of Gustavo Menezes, Nicolas La Pierre, and Stéphane Richelimi won the LMP2 classification of the FIA World Endurance Championship held at the Circuit of the Americas this weekend. The Ligier team came in second, drive by Ricardo Gonzalez, Filipe Albuquerque and Bruno Senna.  And the Oreca team consisting of Roman Rusinov, René Rast, and Alex Brundel came in third.

 Better known locally as Lone Star Le Mans, the event brings teams from across the globe. The contest has nine location, starting in Silverstone, UK, stopping in Le Mans, France, and ending in Bahrain. The Circuit of the Americas, located in Austin, Texas, is the only US race. The race is primarily driven at night. 

The World Endurance Championship is actually four races in one. Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) is the second tier of prototypes racing, and is intended for independent teams not involved with manufacturers or engine suppliers.  Either open or closed cockpits are allowed and there must be a second seat (not for someone to sit in, rather as a means to hold electrical and cooling components).  LMP2 cars are heavier than LMP1 cars, are not as technologically advanced, and are slower because of less downforce and power.  However, the category is very competitive and often produces great racing, with more equally matched cars.