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FIA Confirms ‘Hypercar’ Design Concept for New Prototype Class

FIA reveals ‘hypercar’ design concept for top prototype class in 2020-21…

Photo: James Moy/Toyota

The FIA has confirmed that the new set of top-level prototype regulations will feature design concepts based on hypercars when it goes into effect in the 2020-21 World Endurance Championship season.

A summary of the new technical regs, which remain in discussion, were presented to the FIA World Motor Sport Council on Thursday in Manila.

Further details are set to be released next week in Le Mans.

Among the points discussed include a targeted budget reduction of 75 percent from current LMP1 factory budgets and the freedom for manufacturers to design cars “based on a hypercar concept.”

The presentation follows more than nine months of discussions between the FIA, ACO and manufacturers to define the new ruleset, which was developed in the wake of Porsche’s exit from LMP1 competition.

ACO President Pierre Fillon previously revealed plans for a “GTP-like” concept, which would see manufacturers build prototypes that bear resemblance to its high-end production cars.

At least five manufacturers: Toyota, Ford, McLaren, Aston Martin and Ferrari, have been in roundtable meetings for the new regs, which could also be adopted in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

A targeted budget of one-quarter of the current LMP1 budgets, meanwhile, would put it in the range of €25 million ($30 million) per season.

Thursday’s WMSC meeting also confirmed a new initiative from the WEC to “encourage the participation” of female drivers.

Details of that initiative, along with the technical regulations, will be presented at the ACO’s annual press conference on June 15.

As expected,  the Endurance Committee’s proposal to shorten the length of the 2019 Sebring event from 1500 to 1,000 miles was approved, thus confirming the revised 2018-19 WEC schedule.

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

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