LMP2

Starworks Motorsport — Despite having parted ways with this year's principal backer Enzo Potolicchio, the LMP2 World Championship-winning team is working towards a two-car squad for 2013, possibly with a new chassis-engine combination.

Starworks Motorsport is poised to return to the WEC, but potentially with a different look. (Photo: John Dagys)

Starworks stalwart Ryan Dalziel is the only confirmed driver thus far, with further news from the Peter Baron-led squad expected in the coming weeks. It appears a second car remains a possibility, although likely dependent on two funded seats. However, multiple drivers appear to be in negotiations.

ADR-Delta — One of the top-performing teams in 2012, having scored maximum points in four of the eight races, ADR-Delta is set to return next year, likely again with its Oreca 03 Nissan. While there has been talk of expansion, potentially fielding a car to the ELMS, it’s expected the team’s star driver, John Martin, will remain with the British organization. Other funded, but quick, drivers are also in talks with the veteran open-wheel outfit.

Pecom Racing — Another team to enjoy success from the inaugural season, Pecom Racing has confirmed a return for next year, with its Oreca 03 Nissan led by Luis Perez-Companc. The AF Corse-run squad will be looking to build off its third place finish in the championship, which included a class win in Bahrain. It's unclear the status of pro drivers Pierre Kaffer and Nicolas Minassian at this stage.

Signatech Nissan — After winning the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Signatech Nissan endured a near disastrous 2012 with its pair of Oreca 03 Nissans. The French squad has vowed to return next year, although the level of Nissan sponsorship is unclear at this stage. Look for at least one entry, possibly two, if funding can be found.

Greaves Motorsport — It’s a similar situation with the fellow Nissan-backed Greaves squad, having announced intentions of a two-car assault with its Zytek Z11SN-Nissans, although still believed to be awaiting further funding to make it a reality.

Ricardo Gonzalez is moving on to new opportunities in LMP2, while Christian Zugel, the other primary backer in Greaves’ 2012 program, is looking to decrease his driving commitments next year. The team’s third pilot, Elton Julian, recently announced his retirement from driving, leaving the British team with potentially three seats to fill.

OAK Racing — A consistent front-runner this year, OAK Racing is set to continue in the LMP2 ranks with at least one Morgan-Nissan, with prospects of a second car potentially dependent on customer sales of its Onroak Automotive-built contender.

Lotus LMP2 — The Colin Kolles-led Kodewa squad has big plans for next year, which will see their Lotus T128 take to the track in an expected two-car effort for the German squad. American pilot Kevin Weeda is already among the confirmed drivers for the sleek-looking coupe, which has gained interest from customers on both sides of the pond.

Gulf Racing Middle East — Having started off the year with a two-car effort, Gulf Racing Middle East shifted focus to a single Lola B12/80 Nissan for the second half of the season, citing parts shortage for the new cost-capped car. It’s unclear if the team is considering a change of chassis for 2013.

Enzo Potolicchio — One of a handful of new LMP2 teams for 2013, the yet-to-be-named squad, owned by former Starworks driver Enzo Potolicchio, will see the Venezuelan remain with his potent HPD ARX-03b, which is set to receive engine updates. Owning the car and equipment that was run under the Starworks banner this year, Potolicchio already has a strong foundation, with his U.S. base out of the former Champion Racing workshop in Florida.

The driver lineup for Potolicchio’s single-car program remains a bit unclear, although he has reaffirmed his commitment to hiring two top-level pros. It’s believed Stephane Sarrazin may be a part of the lineup, but likely dependent on the Frenchman’s commitments with Toyota.

HVM — Potentially the third American team to join the LMP2 division, HVM Racing outlined its plans to enter the WEC in a SPEED.com exclusive last week. The IndyCar squad, owned by former Lola Cars International President Keith Wiggins, is currently evaluating a number of chassis options, including Lola, ORECA and HPD. Funding, however, doesn’t yet appear to be fully in place.

Sebastien Loeb Racing — Front-runners in the truncated ELMS in 2012, the French squad co-owned by the now nine-time WRC champion is working to step up to the world’s stage next year. While the driver lineup remains unclear, and whether Loeb will be a driver, the team will likely remain with its Oreca 03 Nissan.

RML — Former LMP2 competitors and the team behind trackside operations of the Nissan DeltaWing, Ray Mallock Limited could be in line to re-enter the cost-capped prototype ranks. If the deal materializes, it would be a continuation of the Nissan partnership, which could see the British squad step up as one of lead Nissan-backed efforts.

Status GP — Another ELMS entrant looking at the WEC, Status GP is also aiming to land in the WEC next year. The Irish squad, which campaigned a Lola B12/80 Judd with moderate levels of success in the ELMS and a few one-off WEC rounds, was rumored as one of the potential initial customers of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-D engine.

JOTA — Despite having lost lead driver Sam Hancock, Team JOTA is also aiming for a return in LMP2, either in WEC or ELMS. The Sam Hignett-led organization proved to have the quickest Zytek-Nissan this year, having won the class outright at Spa.

TDS Racing — Champions in the truncated ELMS season, TDS Racing is evaluating all of its options for 2012, which includes the WEC. The only thing certain at this point appears to be its Oreca 03 Nissan package.

Murphy Prototypes — Another possible entry comes from Murphy Prototypes, with team owner Greg Murphy indicating that he’s evaluating programs for either the ALMS, ELMS or WEC. It's believed the team is looking more towards a potential ALMS program.

Level 5 Motorsports — While rumors persist of Level 5 Motorsports shifting its focus to WEC for 2013, the team is believed to be leaning towards a return to the ALMS, but likely dependent on improved car counts in the domestic series. If that is not achieved, another American team may be represented in the World Championship, which now awards drivers’ trophies to all four categories.

Marc VDS Racing — While having evaluated a 2013 program, potentially with a new-spec BMW powerplant, GT regulars Marc VDS Racing are believed to have put their LMP2 program on a one-year hold.

Likely Entries: 12
Possible Additional Entries: 6-10