Multiple industry sources have confirmed to DSC that a further minor set of adjustments will be introduced for the LMP2 runners in both the FIA WEC and ELMS for the 2022 season.
Changes have been deemed necessary for two reasons, continued effective ‘stratification’ between the Hypercar class and LMP2 to take into account the potential impacts BoP on incoming cars in the top class, and the adoption of the new renewable fuel for 2022 which has a lower calorific value.
Work has been underway between Championship organisers, team and LMP2 chassis manufacturer representatives plus input from Gibson (engines) and TOTAL (fuel) to determine the best way forward.
Those discussions appear to have resulted in a conclusion that will see a move away from significant power reduction and instead to reduced fuel capacity to keep the LMP2s out of the equation in a top class that will see increased input from a BoP process.
Amongst the measures that will come into place are understood to be:
A further 8kw reduction in power for the Gibson V8 (which includes a reduction that comes via the adoption of the new fuel);
That reduction though will be managed from 2022 by an air restrictor rather than electronically, a measure which DSC believes will see broad approval from teams who were unhappy with some disparities in engine performance last season, a matter which has seldom, if ever, been an issue previously in the Gibson era;
The spec. bodywork for each Championship will remain unchanged with the WEC utilising the lower drag ‘Le Mans’ kit, though in 2022 the cars will not be permitted to run with the additional dive planes. ELMS cars will continue to run the previously standard body kit;
WEC cars will also see rear diffuser strakes shortened by 50 mm and the addition of a 10mm gurney on the rear to compensate aerodynamic balance;
Fuel tank volume will be reduced to around 65 litres (currently 75 litres);
Sporting regulations may be amended to align driving time with the revised fuel capacity and stint times.
LMP2 Refuelling regulations will also see hose connection time monitored for regulatory purposes.
