Le Mans Tuesday Notebook

Photo: John Dagys

***With no track activity today, the annual all-driver photo shoot and autograph session took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Additionally, the majority of the teams took the opportunity to do track walks or pit stop practice, per usual for the Tuesday.

***The 2016 GTE regulations will be released on Thursday alongside the details of the 2017 LMP2 platform, ACO Sporting Director Vincent Beaumesnil confirmed to Sportscar365. It’s understood a “few surprises” could also be in store for the annual ACO press conference.

***Beaumesnil confirmed the GTE-Am class next year will remain for cars at least one year old and will not adopt the 2016 GTE regulations. This means the two GTE classes will be run to different technical regulations for the first time.

***A proposal to award success ballast in GTE-Am has been shot down during a recent FIA Endurance Committee meeting, with the option now in place to offer separate BoP for Pro and Am class cars, if required.

***There is growing talk about the new round of LMP1 regulations, which are due for a refresh in 2017, and the possibility of allowing additional technology beyond what’s currently featured in the class. It’s understood at least one prospective new manufacturer is pushing for the allowance of Fuel Cells.

***Michelin offered both 2014 and 2015-spec tires to GTE-Pro competitors at the Le Mans Test Day, allowing teams to select their desired construction for the race. It’s understood not all teams have gone in the same direction.

***An updated version of Andy Blackmore’s Spotter Guide has been published as of today, post-scrutineering. The three-page guide can be Downloaded Here.

***Ed Brown’s helmet takes on a new addition this week, with a bald eagle now adorning a portion of the helmet he’ll drive in the No. 31 Ligier JS P2 Honda.

***On a similar note, Max Chilton has added the logo of the British Racing Drivers Club at Silverstone to his name above the door of his No. 23 Nissan GT-R LM NISMO.

***While it isn’t entered in the race, the Beechdean AMR squad will be making an appearance at Le Mans with its Aston Martin Vantage V8 as part of the Aston Martin Festival this week. Practice for the event begins on Wednesday.

Tony DiZinno contributed to this report

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