Modified Version of Hypercar Regs in Discussion

Photo: James Moy/Toyota

A modified version of the initially proposed ‘Hypercar’ regulations appears to be the favorite option as work continues in the finalization of the new ruleset for the top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Still set to debut for the 2020/21 season, Sportscar365 understands that FIA and ACO have entertained a number of options set forth by manufacturers, including the previously revealed ‘GTE Plus’ concept that would see upstaged GTE machinery compete for overall wins, as well as the potential integration of IMSA’s DPi platform.

Discussions were re-opened after the FIA’s plans to allow production-based hypercars alongside prototypes with hypercar styling failed to gain a single commitment from a major OEM.

It’s understood a FIA Technical Working Group meeting on May 16 led to no definitive decision, with further meetings having since taken place.

Sportscar365 has learned of a latest proposal that would be based on the prototype-based Hypercar regulations announced in December, but with reduced power levels and increased aero.

It would also feature a front-wheel driven ‘mild hybrid’ system that could only be activated at speeds above 120 km/h.

The regulations announced late last year called for a 200 kW electric motor as part of a €3 million cost-capped ERS system.

The FIA’s previously announced production-based hypercar plan, per the requests of Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren, meanwhile, appears to no longer be on the table, with discussions on GTE Plus and DPi also having cooled in recent weeks.

A WEC spokesperson declined to comment when reached by Sportscar365 but indicated that an announcement will be forthcoming next month at Le Mans.

It’s understood no official communications will be made prior to the annual ACO press conference on June 14, where the regulations will be outlined.

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