The New Ginetta G61-LT-P3 Evo LMP3

Le Mans Ultimate has been busy adding new cars and tracks over the past several months, with its latest focus being the 2025 European Le Mans Series content. Featuring LMP2, LMP3, and LMGT3 machinery, the fixture has built a reputation for providing close and exciting racing. 

While the LMP2 and LMGT3 cars were already in LMU, the LMP3 category was a new addition to the title. 

With the December 2025 update, the second of three LMP3 models featured in the ELMS was added to LMU. The vehicle in question is the Ginetta G61-LT-P3 Evo, the latest third-tier prototype from British manufacturer Ginetta. This guide explores the new vehicle and what sets it apart from its rivals.    

The Ginetta G61-LT-P3 Is A Rare Sight In The ELMS

Ginetta has become somewhat of a household name in sports car racing over the last decade or so, with the sports car maker having developed a range of GT and prototype machinery for a range of rulesets. From the awesome Ginetta Junior machine to the short-lived G60-LT-P1 LMP1 racer, it has sampled it all. It was also the first constructor to build a car to LMP3 rules, with its P3-15 creation making its debut in 2015.

It has remained a key player within the class ever since, though it has struggled to maintain the level of custom as chief competitor Ligier, which supplies the vast majority of LMP3 cars in the series they run in around the world.

The same theme followed in 2025, which was the first year of the third-generation LMP3 rules. Ginetta upgraded its existing G61-LT-P3 to feature the new twin-turbo Toyota V6 engine introduced for this season, while changes were also made to the vehicle’s rear geometry to make it more drivable. Alongside these alterations, Ginetta’s engineers also managed to shave some extra weight from it. 

Only one Ginetta G61-LT-P3 chassis was campaigned in 2025, courtesy of DKR Engineering, which also entered a sole car in the series-supporting Le Mans Cup. Following a solid season in the hands of Wyatt Brichacek, Mikkel Pedersen, and Antti Rammo, the Ginetta performed well against the dominant Ligier JS P325. It managed top-six results in half of the season’s six-event calendar, with its first podium coming in the final encounter of the year at the Algarve International Circuit, courtesy of a run to third.

Car Specifications & Key Features

Due to the LMP3 category rules being enforced across all machines built to them, each chassis features the same basic ingredients. The 470 hp twin-turbo Toyota V6 is used by all LMP3 constructors, as is the six-speed sequential gearbox. These units are placed in the center of the car, and deliver the powerplant’s grunt to the rear wheels.

Each does feature its own styling and aerodynamic package, which can change the balance and drag levels of each. There are no Balance of Performance measures used in LMP3, with the restrictive nature of the rules keeping the different models close. The Ginetta is also notable for being left-hand drive, whereas the Ligier is right-hand drive.    

LMU’s vehicle development team have worked to make the Ginetta G61-LT-P3 as authentic as possible.  The models’ bespoke cockpit and external bodywork were designed to reflect the real car, and the effects they have on its driving behaviour.

Handling & Performance on Track

Like its Ligier JS P325 rival, the Ginetta G61-LT-P3 sits between the LMP2 and GTE vehicles in terms of pace in LMU. This means it essentially feels like an upgraded GTE machine, with it boasting extra straight-line speed and cornering ability thanks to its enhanced aerodynamic package. It’s also a good chunk lighter than the GT-based vehicles.

This means that while it feels more stable in fast corners due to its extra downforce, it feels decent in slower corners when compared to the faster LMP2 machines, making it a decent compromise between the categories. 

Aside from looking different, the Ginetta also feels fairly distinct on track from the Ligier. While the JS P325 has a pretty planted rear end, which tends to force the front into understeer in slower corners, the Ginetta rotates more naturally. This makes it easier to turn into slower turns, as the front wheels lock up less easily due to the nose’s extra eagerness to meet the apex. As a result, you can carry more entry speed than the Ligier in slower sections. 

This changes around to an extent in higher speed bends though, as the Ginetta tends to understeer more at mid-corner and exit, whereas the Ligier’s altered aero package offers a little extra rotation. This makes it slightly easier to commit to high-speed turns without blending off the throttle. 

Quick Tips

Trailbraking is still the optimal way of getting the Ginetta into the corners, as the fronts still have the tendency to lock and push the front on if you turn in with too much speed. The vehicle’s lack of ABS makes this method the fastest way of slowing the Ginetta down, especially for slower bends.

Jumping onto the throttle too early prior to corner exit can generate extra understeer, which will force you to lift early and give up momentum and lap time. The Ginetta’s identical Toyota engine ensures the G61 can be similarly tricky to get off the corner if you’re not smooth on the throttle, as the torquey turbocharged unit can easily engage the traction control.

Higher TC settings can be used as of the latest December 2025 update, as the tyre model now offers more progressive grip in all phases. Aim for between 3-5 for optimal results. Being left-hand drive, the Ginetta offers a better viewpoint of the apex for most tracks relative to the Ligier, making it easier to drive consistently.

Need Some Setups For Your G61-LT-P3?

Final Verdict: Is the Ginetta G61-LT-P3 the Right Choice for You?

The vast majority of drivers will likely feel more at home in the G61-LT-P1 when compared to the Ligier JS P325. Its left-hand drive configuration offers greater visibility in most situations, while its superior slow-speed rotation makes getting it to apexes much easier. This balance also ensures that locking the front wheels prior to turn-in is harder, which boosts driver confidence. 

As a result, the Ginetta represents an easier entry point to the LMP3 class for newcomers than the Ligier. It’s also more straightforward for use in longer endurance races out of the box, as you don’t have to think so much about perfecting the braking zones like you have to in the Ligier.

The JS P325 is a little more maneuverable in the faster turns for those who have a more aggressive driving style and can make the most of its rear-end stability, but the Ginetta gets the better of it everywhere else.   

• Aggressive Drivers: 7.5/10
• Endurance Racers: 8.5/10
• Casual Sim Racers: 7/10

Wrapping Up

The Ginetta is a welcome addition to the growing LMP3 class within LMU, especially as it provides a more approachable handling balance than the Ligier JS P325. This makes it a better entry point for drivers new to the category, as well as a more appealing choice for longer race stints. For drivers looking to move into prototype competition from GT machinery, the Ginetta is an excellent learning tool.