The LMP2 class is set to receive its second performance cut ahead of the opening round of the World Endurance championship.
To ensure a clear performance gap between the LMP2 machinery and the brand new Hypercars, the power given by the formers 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated Gibson V8 has been reduced by 25bhp. The initial plan was to reduce output by 40bhp, but this new update means the output for 2021 is approximately 535bph.
An addition of 20kgs to the minimum weight up to 950kgs. Alongside this, the class will move to a control tyre that is to be supplied by Goodyear. With these changes, the FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest hope to reduce the target race lap time at Le Mans to 3m30s. This compares to the fastest lap of 3m27.508s set at last year’s event.
On their website, the WEC have stated that the “lower power limit will contribute to lower running costs by extending lifespan of different components”.
The changes are set to be rolled out in the European Le Mans Series this season and Asian Le Mans Series next winter. The European Le Mans Series opens at Barcelona on 18 April, with the World Endurance Championship opening on 1 May at Spa.
