LMP2 Cars Slowed Further to Increase Gap to LMH

Photo: Asian LMS

LMP2 machinery in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series have been slowed further following a series of technical changes confirmed by the ACO and the FIA Endurance Committee on Thursday.

The adjustments, which will take effect for the start of the WEC season next month in Spa, have been aimed to “ensure the performance windows” of the new-for-2021 Le Mans Hypercar class and LMP2 cars following a series of private tests.

A number of competitors, including Signatech Alpine’s Philippe Sinault, had expressed concern over the planned 2021 configuration of LMP2 machinery, which had been lapping close to LMH times in pre-season testing.

The adjustments include a further 20 kW power reduction (27 hp) from the previously announced limit of 420 kW (560 hp) that was already in place for this year.

Additionally, the minimum weight on all LMP2 cars has been increased by 20 kg to 950 kg, with teams mandated to run the Le Mans aero kit at all races.

The ACO’s plan of utilizing a new-generation of Goodyear tires, aimed to reduce performance, meanwhile, has been scrapped in favor of returning to last year’s tire compounds in the newly spec tire class.

This decision was made by the committee given the the “proven and consistent performance” in all conditions as well as the “drivability” of the previous-gen Goodyear compounds, which were developed when the category featured multiple tire brands.

The power, weight and aero adjustments will also take effect in the next season of the Asian Le Mans Series although is not expected to impact the current season in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which already has two rounds in the books.

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