As ACO rules racing enters a transitional year for LMP2 there are likely to be early challenges to retain 2016 grid numbers for at least one major Championship in the class .
The last thing needed therefore is uncertainty over the level of expectation in another major class, and that means that a looming decision for the ACO on the composition of the GTE class for the 2017 ELMS, and concurrently the LM GTE Am class for the FIA WEC assumes signifiant importance.
The issue in play is whether the two Series accept 2016 spec GTEs for 2017, or remain with 2015 spec as the newest cars in play.
The arguments for and against the potential change are many and complex but effectively revolve around two questions:
Is there any possibility of a fair BoP to equalise the rather faster newer cars, and;
With the apparent inherent performance advantage of the all new Ferrari 488 over the more evolutionary offerings from Aston Martin, Corvette and Porsche (Ford will not be offering customer cars for at least the first two years of the factory programme) should there be a concern that the class could turn into a ‘Ferrari Challenge’.
DSC asked senior sources to reveal where current thinking was on the matter, with potential BoP solutions clearly under discussion to allow 2016 cars to be accepted, though it was equally clear that no final decision had been taken.
DSC had already polled the views of AF Corse’s Amato Ferrari at the ELMS race weekend at Paul Ricard, who made it very clear that his outlook will be governed exclusively by the wishes of has customers: “If they want to come with a new 488 then of course we want to make that happen. If they do allow the newer cars I believe they can certainly balance them to the older cars.”
At Mexico City Christian Ried made it very clear that he favoured the continued capping of the ELMS and FIA WEC class(es) at 2015 cars.
“If they allow the 2016 cars next year then the class will become a Ferrari Challenge, for sure we would not return in those circumstances as there is no way that you would be able to effectively balance the new and old cars, somehow the newer cars would always be faster!
“If we stay with 2015 cars in the class then we’ll definitely be back with 2 or three cars in the WEC and probably at least two in the ELMS.”
At Gulf Racing UK Mike Wainwright was firmly on the side of the status quo too: “My strong preference is to leave things where they are and not put everyone to the expense of another expensive upgrade just yet.”
Finally over to Aston Martin where John Gaw was open to 2016 upgrades:
“Our car is a pretty easy, and very cost effective, upgrade so the potential for 2016 spec cars coming in is not a major issue. I’d be open to the 2016 updates, and the new cars coming in of there is sufficient interest to make it happen, in truth though I’d be happy either way!”
As with so many things in motorsport there are as many different opinions as there are opinions, for the ELMS and FIA WEC though the decision is an important one, both classes provide important numbers, important income and depth to their grids – another critical decision looms!
