FIA, ACO Outline New LMP1 EoT Protocols

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

The fastest LMP1 car in each technology class will serve as the reference point in the FIA and ACO’s Equivalence of Technology, it has been confirmed.

LMP1 hybrid and non-hybrid prototypes are set to be equalized through a revised EoT process, announced in September, but now detailed in the release of the sporting regulations for the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship season.

Normally aspirated and turbocharged engines will be split into separate technology classes, along with hybrid powertrains, with the FIA Endurance Committee permitted to adapt the performance of non-hybrid cars only.

An average lap time for each class will be calculated by the fastest laps from 20 percent of each race distance.

The first EoT adjustment can be applied at any time, although cars with the slowest technologies will only be adjusted after at least two races of data and must be “properly classified.”

Teams and manufacturers will be required to supply the FIA and ACO data for the EoT process, and any competitor having been found to deliberately provide false information, or attempting to influence an adjustment by hiding its true level of performance, will be penalized.

A minimum five-minute stop-and-hold penalty during a race will be given at the Stewards’ discretion for such an infraction, with post-race penalties also possible.

LMP1 is set to feature at least three different technology classes next season, with Toyota’s turbocharged hybrids returning alongside both turbo and normally aspirated non-hybrids from privateer entrants.

Three different turbo non-hybrids are expected to feature, with SMP Racing’s BR Engineering BR1 prototypes being powered by an updated AER engine, ByKolles set to return with its 3-liter Cosworth-built Nissan V6 and the new 3.4-liter Mecachrome V6 debuting in the Ginetta LMP1.

Gibson, meanwhile, will have at least one of its LMP2-based normally aspirated 4.5-liter V8s in the class with DragonSpeed’s BR1.

The performance levels of Toyota’s TS050 Hybrid is expected to remain unchanged throughout the season, a condition that was contingent on the Japanese manufacturer’s return for the ‘Super Season.’

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John