GTP/Hypercar mid-season update restrictions under consideration for rule change
Manufacturers and motorsport governing bodies are discussing potential restrictions on mid-season performance updates for GTP and Hypercar classes to improve Balance of Performance (BoP) management and control costs.
Currently, there are no strict rules about when manufacturers can develop and implement updates, though IMSA has an informal agreement among LMDh manufacturers limiting mid-season changes. The proposed changes would formalize these restrictions across both series.
Key points about the potential rule change:
- Would ban mid-season performance updates for both LMH and LMDh cars
- Aims to stabilize BoP process and reduce development costs
- Could require all major updates to be ready for season start
- Would still allow safety and reliability updates mid-season
Race cars lined up at start
Current manufacturer activities:
- Porsche: Implementing suspension updates for 2024 Rolex 24
- Ferrari: Working on second update for the 499P
- Peugeot: Testing significant updates for the 9X8
- Alpine: Focusing on engine reliability improvements
- Cadillac: Updated control system electronics
- BMW: Testing new components for M Hybrid V8
- Toyota: Planning transition to hydrogen power
A key consideration is the planned transition to using only the Windshear wind tunnel in North Carolina for homologation starting in 2026, replacing the current dual-tunnel system with Sauber. This change may influence the timing of aerodynamic updates across all manufacturers.
The proposed restrictions aim to ensure long-term sustainability of the sport by maintaining competitive balance while keeping costs under control. No final decision has been made yet, and implementation could come through either formal regulations or a "Gentlemen's agreement" among manufacturers.
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