The GR010 HYBRID Le Mans Hypercar from the Japanese manufacturer is set to enter the upcoming 2024 season with some adjustments compared to its performance in the latter part of the 2023 campaign following the Le Mans 24 Hours race. It will be slightly heavier by 9kg and experience a maximum power reduction of 4kW or 5.3bhp.
As per the Balance of Performance regulations for the Hypercar class, the GR010 will have to meet a minimum weight of 1089kg and adhere to a maximum power limit of 510kW (equivalent to 684bhp).
These specifications have been outlined ahead of the official pre-season Prologue test scheduled at Qatar’s Losail circuit this weekend. The Qatar 1812Km race, which will have a duration of up to 10 hours, is set to take place on Saturday, March 2nd.
Other manufacturers have also seen adjustments to their Hypercar offerings. Ferrari’s 499P LMH, for instance, has undergone a slight reduction in power by 2kW or 2.7bhp compared to the previous year but maintains a minimum weight of 1075kg.
Porsche, on the other hand, faces a more substantial reduction in maximum power from 514kW to 505kW (equivalent to a decrease of 12bhp) and an increase in minimum weight from 1046kg to 1048kg.
The Cadillac V-Series.R has also seen its power reduced from 504kW to 499kW and its weight increased from 1030kg to 1032kg. Peugeot’s 9X8 LMH has undergone a weight reduction of 9kg, bringing it to 1030kg, while its power remains unchanged at 520kW.
Among the manufacturers entering the championship with LMDh machinery, Alpine’s A424 is the heaviest at 1070kg but also boasts the highest power output at 510kW.
The BMW M Hybrid V8 has a minimum weight of 1060kg and a maximum power of 506kW, while Lamborghini’s new SC63 LMDh weighs 1041kg and has a power output of 502kW.
Newcomer Isotta Fraschini’s Tipo 6 LMH Competizione has been assigned a minimum weight of 1085kg and a maximum power of 514kW.
Deployment speed for the LMHs remains consistent in wet and dry conditions, with Toyota, Ferrari, and Isotta Fraschini all operating at 190km/h, while Peugeot’s deployment speed has returned to 150km/h after being set at 135km/h for the final rounds of the previous year.
The Balance of Performance (BoP) for the 2024 season has been released by the FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) without detailed explanation, with the document stating that it applies “until further notice.”
Plans to simplify and enhance transparency in the BoP system were discussed by the FIA and ACO at Bahrain, despite some opposition from manufacturers.
Last year’s BoP system allowed for limited revisions throughout the season, with adjustments made to the balance between LMHs and LMDhs after the initial races and further revisions before the Le Mans event.
However, due to perceived discrepancies in car performance, the planned system was altered ahead of Le Mans. Another adjustment to the BoP was made before the Bahrain finale.
The BoP for the new LMGT3 class has been released, detailing starting minimum weights before success ballast accrual.
The LMP2 machinery returning to the WEC for the Le Mans event will maintain the same specifications as the previous year, including a minimum weight of 950kg, a 35mm air-restrictor for the Gibson V8 engine, and specified rev limits.
