Non-Hybrids Pegged Back Further for Le Mans

Photo: MPS Agency

LMP1 non-hybrids have received a further reduction in performance for next month’s Le Mans Test Day, with the privateers set for a reduced fuel flow and other possible changes heading into the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The FIA has confirmed the Equivalence of Technology for the June 3 test, which will see the non-hybrids maximum petrol flow reduced from 110 to 108 kg/h, with the Toyota TS050 Hybrid remaining unchanged at 80 kg/h.

The maximum petrol energy and maximum petrol per stint, meanwhile, will be defined following the test day, with “no fuel lift required” per the latest EoT document.

A number of LMP1 teams, including Rebellion Racing, were forced to manually lift and coast throughout the FIA World Endurance Championship season-opening Total Six Hours of Spa due to not having the same software as the factory teams.

ACO Sporting Director Vincent Beaumesnil told Sportscar365 at Spa they are targeting a 0.5-second lap time difference between hybrids and non-hybrids at Le Mans, with the hybrids to also get a one additional lap per stint advantage.

It’s anticipated the Toyotas will be permitted to complete 11-lap stints at Le Mans, compared to 10 laps for non-hybrids. 

The latest adjustment comes in the wake of a power and fuel capacity reduction to the non-hybrids between the Prologue pre-season test and at Spa, which saw the privateers unable to match the outright pace of the Toyotas.

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