The Duqueine D09 LMP3 Joins The LMU Grid

The LMP3 category is the entry point into prototype endurance racing, designed to give rising talent a taste of top-level machinery. These cars may be smaller and less powerful than their LMP2 and Hypercar cousins, but they still pack a serious punch with lightweight carbon-fibre chassis and aerodynamic bodywork.

Now with manufacturers like Ligier, Duqueine, and Ginetta on the grid, LMP3 racing blends raw speed with accessibility. Drivers must juggle learning the craft of multi-class traffic management while pushing for class glory. It’s the perfect training ground for endurance stars of the future.

All coming to life thanks to the final DLC for the European Le Mans Series content.

The Duqueine D09 LMP3 Story

Duqueine isn’t the most recognisable name in sports car racing, but the French outfit has quietly built a reputation over the past decade. It first appeared as a registered sports car team in 2014 before making its ELMS debut in the LMP3 category for the 2016 season. By 2019, Duqueine had stepped up to the LMP2 class, where it remains to this day.

A pivotal moment came in 2017 when Duqueine took over Norma Auto Concept, which had been producing an LMP3 chassis called the M30. Duqueine continued that tradition with the D08, and its latest evolution, the D09, debuted as part of the new LMP3 regulations introduced for the 2025 season.

The D09’s first year on track was a tale of two championships. In the ELMS, WTM by Rinaldi campaigned the car to a best result of fourth at Imola. Competitive but not yet a winner.

In the Le Mans Cup, however, it was a different story entirely. The R-ace prepared D09 dominated, with Hadrien David and Hugo Schwarze claiming three wins from seven rounds, along with two further runner-up finishes to secure both the drivers’ and teams’ championships.

The Duqueine chassis also produced a podium for Gebhardt Motorsport at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans.

For 2026, R-ace steps up to the ELMS with the Duqueine D09 LMP3, while continuing to defend its Le Mans Cup title with multiple entries. WTM have stepped away from the D09 and moves to the Ligier, making R-ace the only team with the Duqueine chassis this season.

How The Duqueine Compares

All three LMP3 cars in Le Mans Ultimate – the Duqueine D09, Ligier JS P325, and Ginetta G61-LT-P3 – share the same Toyota twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 producing 470 horsepower, the same sequential gearbox, and very similar aerodynamic packages.

With no Balance of Performance needed, the chassis design is the only real differentiator. How each manufacturer shapes the bodywork to find more downforce without adding drag is where the competitive edge lives, and it’s why the D09 feels noticeably different to its rivals despite sharing so much mechanically.

On track, the D09 is the most neutral of the three LMP3 cars. Its nose guides itself towards apexes more smoothly than the stiffer Ligier, while its planted rear gives you confidence to commit without worrying about snaps on turn-in.

That neutral balance makes it the most accessible LMP3 for drivers with limited prototype experience. There’s no ABS, so braking in a straight line is essential, and the twin-turbo engine can break traction if you’re too aggressive on lower TC settings, so aim for TC values between 3 and 5. Like its rivals, patience on corner exit is key to avoiding on-power understeer. It’s a forgiving, well-rounded car that rewards clean inputs.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Duqueine D09 completes the LMP3 lineup in Le Mans Ultimate, giving drivers three distinct lightweight prototypes to choose from. Of the three, the D09 is the easiest to recommend, particularly if you’re stepping into an LMP3 cockpit for the first time. Its neutral, predictable balance means fewer surprises and a quicker path to consistent lap times, letting you focus on learning the car rather than fighting it.

Stephen Hood, CEO of Motorsport Games & Head of Studio 397 said – “We can’t wait for players to try out the first major update of 2026 with the final ELMS Season Pass content and experience the new performance improvements for themselves! 2026 looks to be another extremely exciting year!”