Different aerodynamic kits for Porsche and Toyota at Silverstone

The new regulations applied in WEC in 2017 only allows two aerodynamic kits, one with low drag, the other with high downforce, with a view to reducing costs. A reduction in possibilities which requires Porsche et Toyota to carefully study its choices in view of the upcoming World Cup events, starting with the 6 Hours of Silverstone this weekend.

In view of the British round, Porsche decided to trust the low drag kit, from a very specific perspective. “We have managed our resources to focus on the development and testing of our aero kit.” Le Mans » until the end of the third race of the season, admits Andreas Seidl, Porsche Team Principal.

This means less downforce for the benefit of low drag and this will inevitably be a disadvantage at Silverstone. After the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, we will provide more support for the other events on the 919 Hybrid. » We will therefore have to wait for the Nürburgring to see Weissach's second aero kit in action. A strategic choice which should in turn benefit the German LM P1 or its Japanese rival according to Timo Bernhard

“Porsche and Toyota are on the same level, comments the 2015 world champion. The small advantages for one or the other may vary from track to track with the respective aerodynamic strategies playing an important role. It will be very interesting to see how this plays out at Silverstone. »

Japan plays the support card

Opposite choice in the Toyota clan, since the new TS050 Hybrid will be equipped with the high downforce kit, and should therefore have an advantage on the English track this Sunday, even if caution remains in order for the Japanese.

“Silverstone is a circuit that requires a lot of downforce and I think our car can perform well there, highlights Sébastien Buemi. It is difficult to predict what we can hope for. Looking at the Prologue results we believe we are competitive, now we need to confirm it. »