2015 LM24 Sporting Regulations Released

Photo: John Dagys

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has released the sporting regulations for next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, featuring a number of subtle changes for the twice-around-the-clock French endurance classic that’s set for June 13-14. (En Français)

Here’s a brief rundown of the modifications set for 2015:

***Tire restrictions will be in place for all four classes, for the first time. LMP1 and LMP2 teams will be limited to a total of seven sets for Free Practice, Qualifying and Warmup, while GTE teams will be permitted eight sets. A total of 12 sets for LMP1 teams (14 for new manufacturers) will be allowed in the race, with a maximum of 16 sets for the three other classes.

***After a successful debut in 2014, Slow Zones will continue to be utilized, but at an increased speed of 80 km/h instead of 60 km/h that was used this year. A stop & go penalty plus 5 seconds per km/h exceeded will be given for anyone not adhering to the speed limit.

***A maximum of 70 cars will be allowed for the test day on May 31. LMP3 cars will be allowed to take part in the test day, with registration for additional entries opening on Feb. 18 and closing on April 1.

***A Platinum-rated driver who has not competed at Le Mans since 2010 may be exempt from taking part in the typically mandatory test day, should the driver have other racing commitments that day. However, should the driver miss the test, he or she would be required to complete a minimum of 5 laps in Wednesday’s Free Practice.

***All Bronze-rated drivers who did not take part in the 2014 race must complete a session on the ACO’s simulator prior to May 28. The one-day training course is also mandatory for any driver who has not participated in the race since 2010.

***There will again be a list of ten alternate entries announced alongside the full grid of 56 selections, which will be announced on Feb. 5 alongside the full-season entry lists for the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series.

***The overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will receive 40,000 Euros ($50,000), with $30,000 for second, $25,000 for third, $20,000 for fourth and $15,000 for fifth place. Entry fees are 52,000 Euros ($63,000) per car.

***Auto invites to the 2016 running of race will be given to race class winners, with three invites apiece going to top European and Asian Le Mans Series championship finishers. Two invites will be issued by IMSA for its top Pro/Am finishers in the new Truman/Akin Cups, which will be awarded in Prototype and GT Le Mans in 2015.

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