Change To ‘Le Mans’ LMP2 Bodywork Cancelled For ELMS
Multiple paddock sources have confirmed to DSC that the decision to switch all LMP2 teams to the previously Le Mans only low downforce bodywork has been cancelled for the 2021 ELMS, though it will still be imposed in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The measure, introduced as part of the package of moves to re-adjust LMP2 performance to give class separation between the class and the incoming ‘Hypercar’ class was a major cause for concern for the teams, in particular for the races at Red Bull Ring, Spa and Portimao where downforce is a key factor in the class.
The re-adjustment, which included a reduction of engine power by 50 kw compared to 2020 LMP2 specification, and an increase in weight by 20kg was announced in the days before the ELMS grid assembled for the first round at Barcelona last week.
The additional measure, to impose the bodywork change, was delayed until Round 2 at Red Bull Ring for the ELMS due to there being insufficient time for the teams to re-equip.
Paddock sources suggest that the ELMS teams combined to appeal the decision to change the bodywork on safety grounds. That call appears now to have been heeded with a technical bulletin confirming the change understood to be imminent.
The change will still be imposed for the FIA WEC with the teams assembling now ahead of next week’s Prologue test followed by the season-opening 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps on 1 May. The guesting G-Drive Racing Aurus 01s and PR1 Motorsports Oreca will, of course, also race with the lower downforce bodywork at Spa.
The change was verified in the days before the Barcelona meeting with a back to back test at Paul Ricard between the factory Toyota Hypercar team and the Racing Team Nederland LMP2 squad, the #29 car running full proposed 2021 spec including the increased weight, reduction in engine power, and the LM body kit, the difference between the fastest lap of the Hypercar and LMP2 understood to be a little over 2 seconds, believed to equate to c.5 seconds at Le Mans.
The post Change To ‘Le Mans’ LMP2 Bodywork Cancelled For ELMS first appeared on dailysportscar.com.