The FIA ​​wants to “guarantee a good Balance of Performance” in WEC

In a video on the FIA ​​YouTube channel, Xavier Mestelan Pinon, technical director of the governing body of world motorsport, speaks on recent developments in the World ChampionshipEndurance of the FIA. The Frenchman explains in particular the philosophy behind the concept of the Hypercar category, in which hybrid prototypes and other non-hybrids coexist. 

« The regulations allow you to be creative with regard to all new technologies, especially with hybrids, but they also authorize cars without hybrid technology, recalls Xavier Mestelan Pinon. It's very open. Providing a high level of performance on track is also very important to ensure a great show for the fans, the promoter and our customers. »

Joint work with the ACO

To enable this, the FIA ​​uses the famous Balance of Performance, supposed to provide a balance of levels between the different manufacturers involved in order to ensure sporting fairness. “ There is only one aero kit, which means that those on the WEC and Le Mans are the same, explains the technical director of the FIA. We also have some limitations in terms of power to avoid potential performance wars, particularly at the engine level. We therefore balance the cars and for this we have a system to measure the real torque of each car live »

Measurements which are made using sensors used on the transmission shaft of cars. Work on the Balance of Performance is carried out jointly by the FIA ​​and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). “ We work hand in hand. Our specialists are able to support the new technologies and new tools that we develop to guarantee a good Balance of Performance. It's something very complex. We are proud to work with the ACO and support a race like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. » A question which will be all the more thorny from 2023 with the LMH (Ferrari, Glickenhaus, Peugeot , Toyota) et les LMDh (Cadillac, Porsche).

The arrival of the GT3s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

24 Hours of Le Mans which will welcome a new category in 2024: LMGT3. “ The GT3 will make it possible to have more and more manufacturers in this category, because today it is one of the most popular in the FIA, develops Xavier Mestelan Pinon. They will all be able to join the WEC easily thanks to this regulation. Motorsport is a spectacle and seeing a lot of brands will be something very good for the future. »

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