2020

[lofty]

Hyper cars are in 2020.

[mgmark]

So, they've managed a half decent job with GTE AM & PRO and in resurrecting LMP2 into a viable class over the last few years to give us some great racing.  While LMP1 has waned in manufacturers to one of two cars this year, there are 8 privateer entries.  

I know the ACO are going to be wedded to manufacturer's money but WTF? The clue is in the P of LMP - a real Prototype at the forefront of performance and technology.  Not something that is a "prototype that looks like a road car" at a quarter of the LMP1 budget.  

If the ACO are looking to attract other manufacturers who choose not to build cars to meet current Le Mans regs, I wonder what the manufacturers who have competed in GTE for years will think of it - bit of a poke in the eye for them (Porsche, Corvette, Aston Martin and more recently Ford).  And what of LMP 2 and performance levels? Can't see them wanting real prototypes to be beating "hypercar" prototypes.....  

[Kristof]

This is what the FIA mail said this afternoon:

A summary of the ongoing discussions regarding the 2020 Technical Regulations for the highest category of FIA WEC was presented as follows:

-        Targeted budget of one quarter of current LMP1 budgets.    

-        Freedom of design for brands based on a ‘Hypercar’ concept.

A plan to encourage the participation of female drivers in the FIA World Endurance Championship was approved.

Details on both points above will be presented during the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

A proposal to modify the length of the Sebring competition from 1500 miles to 1000 miles with effect from the 2019 competition was approved.

I absolutely dislike the idea of some kind of hypercar class to replace LMP1.  Le Mans is about prototype racing, take those away and the magic will be gone !  
Also: what's going to happen with the privateer LMP1 teams ? Have them invest a lot money in a new car that's only able to race for 2 seasons ?  Or will they be able to continue to race and develop their cars (thinking especially about SMP, they've been f*cked once in LMP2).  The only thing that might work is some kind of DPi like prototypes, in which case the current privateers might be able to work with


I'm scared for the press conference next week, the ACO messed it all up last year and something tells me they will do the same this year.  

[Lorry]

I'm scared for the press conference next week, the ACO messed it all up last year and something tells me they will do the same this year.  

No change there then 

[lofty]

When Le Mans started the Bentlys and the like were the hyper cars of the day.The GT 40,DBs,250gto,D-types the list is endless.Why not again? Still with prototypes.Lets see what happens it might be great.I liked the early 90s with the IMSA cars in the NSX Detomaso and skylines.

[lofty]

Peugeot's guvnor has said they will build a hypercar.

[Barry]

Peugeot's guvnor has said they will build a hypercar.

But as I understand it won't be back at LM till 2013.

[smokie]

Back to the future eh? :-)

[Kristof]

Back to the future eh? :-)