Over the years, the Michelin Le Mans Cup has become the main series for amateur drivers looking for an introduction to Endurance racing. Launched in 2016, the competition takes place on some of Europe’s most iconic circuits - Barcelona, Le Castellet, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone, Portimao and, of course, the full 12.6km circuit at Le Mans. The MLMC is also the first step into the world of endurance racing for the young stars of tomorrow.
The 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup grid is the largest ever in the history of the series and features 45 cars this season, divided into three classes: 24 in LMP3, 11 in LMP3 Pro/Am and 10 in GT3.
In the LMP3 and LMP3 Pro/Am categories, known as « Le Mans Prototype 3 », all cars are built according to the ACO LMP3 technical regulation, with four different chassis to choose from: Ligier JS P325, Duqueine D09, ADESS AD25, and Ginetta G61-LT-P325 Evo. The 2026 grid will feature 29 Ligier JS P325s and 6 Duqueine D09s, all powered by the same Oreca built Toyota V35A V6 Twin Turbo engine.
The eligible car list in the GT3 category extends to every constructor that has an approved FIA GT3 chassis. Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO, Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO, Porsche 911 GT3 R Type 992, and McLaren 720S GT3 EVO are entered in the series this year. Other manufacturers are also eligible: Bentley, BMW, Lexus, Corvette, Nissan, Mercedes-AMG, Lamborghini and Audi.
Start of the 2024 Road To Le Mans
The Michelin Le Mans Cup is contested seven times a season, at six different tracks. The series takes place on some of the best European circuits, as part of the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each race weekend, competitors enter two free practice sessions, one more session is dedicated to FIA-ranked « Bronze » drivers, followed by the qualifying sessions, one per class, before the start of the 2-hour race.
The pearl of the championship is the Road To Le Mans round. In a change this season, the competitors will race on the full 12.6km La Sarthe circuit in a single 3-hour race, instead of two 60-minute races held previously, during the 24 Hours of Le Mans week.
Affiliated to the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), competitors taking part in the Michelin Le Mans Cup are guaranteed a series that has a strict set of rules to ensure a level playing field for all. The friendly and welcoming paddock embodies the professionalism that surrounds top-level endurance racing, with open access for the thousands of fans to get up close and enjoy the sport.
