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LMP1 Hybrid and LMP1 Non-Hybrid prototypes competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) will see new rules come into effect from September, to ensure there is an equal level of performance and increased competition.
The ACO has announced that the evolutions to the Equivalence of Technology (EoT), designed to ensure a level playing field in the top class, were discussed and agreed by the LMP1 competitors, Toyota Gazoo Racing, Rebellion Racing and Team LNT ahead of The Prologue, the WEC’s official pre-season test in Barcelona on 23 – 24 July.
The new rules will include:
- Weight: The Toyota TS050 HYBRIDS will each carry an additional 14kg compared to the TOTAL 6 Hours of Spa 2019, thus +40kg compared to the car’s minimum regulation weight.
- Fuel tank capacity: The fuel tank capacity will be adjusted to ensure an equal number of laps per stint for both LMP1 H and LMP1 NH for every round including Le Mans.
- Refuelling time: At each pit stop LMP1 H cars will refuel 1 second slower than LMP1 NH cars to compensate for the advantage they have restarting in electric mode.
- Success handicap: A success handicap will be introduced whereby the performance of all cars – hybrid or non-hybrid – will be adjusted before each race to take into consideration points scored in the Championship.
These changes have been agreed by all LMP1 competitors and will come into effect from the opening round of Season 8, the 4 Hours of Silverstone on 1st September.
For the 24 Hours of Le Mans a specific EoT will be implemented using the same principles as for the Season 8 EoT.
The ACO devised an EoT in 2014, with the FIA, to create parity between petrol and diesel cars. The adjustments were based on fuel allocation (flow rate and allowance per lap), which influences performance and range. A flow metre and sensors are vital in measuring this. It is to ensure a level playing field in the top class.
