WEC Looking to Implement Success Ballast in LMP1

Photo: MPS Agency

The FIA and ACO are looking to implement success ballast into the LMP1 class for the 2019-20 FIA World Endurance Championship season, in an effort to close the gap between the hybrid and non-hybrid machinery.

ACO technical director Thierry Bouvet has suggested that a “slightly different” Equivalence of Technology system is being developed for next season that will likely incorporate on-track results.  

The ACO introduced success ballast to the GTE class of the European Le Mans Series this year and has already confirmed a similar system for WEC’s GTE-Am category next season.

Bouvet explained that a combination of factors have resulted in less competitive races between the Toyota TS050 Hybrids and non-hybrid LMP1 cars, including the privateer’s relative inexperience with its new-for-2018 machinery, the advantage of Toyota’s four-wheel drive in the wet as well as the Japanese manufacturer’s “complex” suspension which benefited them at Sebring.

“We would have liked closer races between the hybrid and non-hybrid cars,” Bouvet said.

“We are already working on a slightly different system for next season which could also take race results into consideration.”

Bouvet added they have suggested a success ballast system and says it “seems to be a good solution.”

Such a change in the 2019-20 regulations would have to be first approved by the FIA Endurance Committee before being put to the FIA World Motor Sport Council, which meets next on June 14.

Bouvet: LMP1 Non-Hybrids to be at “Potential Maximum” at Test Day

Bouvet said that the EoT established for this weekend’s Le Mans Test Day will see the non-hybrids at their maximum potential, although certain parameters remain to be defined for the race.

The FIA and ACO also reserve the right to make adjustments to the published EoT.

“We have published the EoT for Le Mans Test Day and have left the physical parameters for the non-hybrids (engine power and vehicle mass) at their potential maximum,” Bouvet said.

“The Toyota will also be 10 kg heavier than last year for Le Mans.

“We shall analyze fuel consumption data on Test Day to calibrate the different amounts of fuel for the race. The cars will be very close in terms of lap times.”

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