WEC: Privateer LMP1 Teams To Use DRS From 2018

[Jack Hunsley]

The privateer LMP1 teams are to allowed to use a drag reduction system, similar to the current version used in Formula One, from the 2018 WEC season. The proposal, announced at the ACO's (Automobile Club de l'Ouest) press conference on Thursday ahead of this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans has been introduced in an attempt to close the gap between the current privateers and the manufacturers, as well as in an attempt to encourage more teams to join Rebellion and ByKolles.

Whilst the decision is yet to be officially confirmed, it is understood that only the technicalities of introducing the system are yet to be finally decided, whilst the idea in principle is already well underway and being readily accepted.

The move to DRS will mark the end of a two year program for the evolution of the Privateer LMP1 class, with both Rebellion and ByKolles set to use a larger rear wing from next season alongside a weight reduction of 28kg and the removal of the engine capacity limit and the number of engines they can use per season.

Whilst having divided opinion amongst some fans of the sport, the move has come as a result of the increase in the gap between the privateer teams and the manufacturers, with lap times at Le Man having increased between the two by roughly 5 seconds since 2011.

 

[Grand Tourist]

I'm all for!!

 

[Dan Allen]

As the commentator on the stream said, is there a point given that it's a low downforce track anyway?

 

[Blimey]

as long as the privateers aren't very far behind its good progress.

 

[fortyfivekev]

It wont make any real difference. The Porsche LMP1 was still quicker than the privateer cars at Spa with no energy recovery at all and so only around 500hp. No privateer can afford to spend the money on drivers, tyres, engines, etc. to keep up with the factory guys however many breaks they get.

 

[Tobiman]

That front spoiler. Hella downforce!!
It's crazy that a lot of these cars use a similar engine to that found in a nissan titan. Obviously, built with racing parts but still.

 

[Frederic Schornstein]

They should give up the LMP1 privateer concept. It just doesn't work. They would need 200hp more not just -30kg, a bit more wing, maybe some DRS gimmick that will have diffrent effect at every track.

 

[ThatRacingGuy]

I highly doubt that there will still be privateer P1's in 2018

 

[tyregun888]

I reckon its only going to be good for the sport.

 

[Deleted member 130869]

Can't they offer more leeway on the rules? Like Dorna giving Ducati those two seasons to recover, or the CTR bikes with more open regulations? As so many have mentioned, DRS won't suffice and doesn't offer room for some up and coming creative genius in a small team.

 

[Brownninja97]

It wont make any real difference. The Porsche LMP1 was still quicker than the privateer cars at Spa with no energy recovery at all and so only around 500hp. No privateer can afford to spend the money on drivers, tyres, engines, etc. to keep up with the factory guys however many breaks they get.

No porsche has two ERS systems, one failed but the second one was still active. no one really knows how much that does

 

[Mathias Nielsen]

As the commentator on the stream said, is there a point given that it's a low downforce track anyway?

There is more then 1 race in this series.....

 

[Frederic Schornstein]

Currently all three private LMP1 cars are in the lower half of the GTE Pro field 20hours into the race. There is just no point. They have so many issues the last few years. The only years that were still good was Rebellion with the Lola. Since the R-One they had so much struggles in terms of reliability.