Change of approach in the LMP1 class for the next two years

Two of the three top manufacturers present in the LMP1 class announced their exits of the FIA World Endurance Championship in less than a year, with Audi effectively out of action and Porsche to be leaving after this season's end. The situation of the hybrid side along with a small number of prospects in the privateer side made FIA and ACO hurry to find alternatives in the regulations to guarantee the long-term sustainability of the first prototype class.

From the changes announced this Friday (01), the one that stands out the most is that finally hybrids and non-hybrids will compete in the same level, meaning the LMP1 will be no longer just a name, as performances of both sides will be equalized regardless of what powers each car, although the hybrids will still have the mileage advantage due to less fuel consumption. Meetings discussing this were made recently with current and prospect entries as to which alternatives could be brought to solve the disparity between manufacturers and privateers, mostly ending with no conclusion over the matter. More engine configurations will be allowed too, and if needed, they will be equalized to ensure everybody has a chance.

The only point that remains the same for the next years is LMP1 is the chassis, limiting this to the purpose built ones, which cuts any possibility of the DPis to jump into the class, giving the fact they are derived from the four original LMP2 chassis that are offered since the start of this year.

More decisions over the LMP1 regulations and the already discussed 2020 ruleset for hybrid prototypes will still be announced in the coming weeks.

PHOTO: FIA WEC