The P-2 cost capping answer could be simple, yet no one wants to hear it. Make a common P-2 tub, bulkhead to footbox with the ability to bolt on various roof lines and set that tech, spec for a 10 year period. A co-op could even be set up to produce them if more than a single mfg wanted to do it. Then all the add on bits could be developed and built by whoever, Lola, HPD, Oreca, Riley, Oak etc… as long as they met the rules in doing so. My point in this as everyone is moaning about a single spec tub is, we are/have been very close to that already. If the P-2 was based off of a spec tub it would not change the landscape drastically from what we have now.
Just as an example here: most of the prototypes (non uber werks) have stemmed from 2 tubs. The Lola B-05 etc..... and the Courage (including the HPD 01 series) over the last several years.
I am talking design stability and continuity which gives teams the ability to afford investing in equipment, infrastucture and tools that they know will have a decent amortization over a given life span (time frame).
Given that the new LMP rules are going all coupe, then these could even serve as a new basis for the new DP in the merged ALMS/GARRA series utilizing gen 3 body works. While still being cost capped!
Maybe Oreca as the tub constructor?? They have proven they can mfg volume with the FLM 09.
L.P.
