Manor open to running two-car LMP1 effort in 2018/19

The British squad became the first team to confirm plans to run the new Ginetta privateer P1 contender earlier this week, but has revealed that its one-car programme could grow to two cars ahead of the start of the 2018/19 campaign next May.

Team sporting director Graeme Lowdon told Motorsport.com: "What we know for sure is that we will start the superseason with one Ginetta, but between now and next May that could change to two cars – we are not ruling anything out."

Lowdon said that Manor would run an all-pro line-up with "the best possible drivers" in the confirmed entry, but stressed that he wasn't in a position to give names as yet. 

Manor has yet to announce which engine it will use in the Ginetta, which has been designed around a new Mecachrome V6 direct-injection turbo engine. 

It has also reiterated its intention to remain in LMP2 for a third season as it expands into the premier prototype category.

"It is still the intention to stay in P2, because we have invested a lot of money in the category," explained Lowdon. 

"But the direction we take as a team will be driven by the commercial model and at the moment that is heading in the wrong direction in P2."

Lowdon said that he "had valid concerns" about the level of the silver-rated drivers in the front-running P2 cars this season. 

The silver ranking of drivers such as Thomas Laurent and Julien Canal, who respectively race for the Jackie Chan DC Racing and Rebellion squads, has been questioned by many of their rivals.