WEC sporting regulations simplified

The FIA ​​sporting regulations WEC 2021 wants to be simpler and more dynamic. Presented on Friday, it notably provides for a return to a classic qualifying format, taking into account the fastest lap completed for each car by a single driver, instead of the average achieved by two drivers in force in recent years. .

With only one driver per car, two 10-minute sessions will take place: one for Hypercars and LMP2, the other for LMGTE (qualification by a Bronze driver will be compulsory in LMGTE Am).

 New Bronze classification for the LMP2 category

Following several discussions with stakeholders, an agreement has been reached regarding the composition of the LMP2 crews, which will remain unchanged, with at least one Silver or Bronze driver required in each team. And a new specific classification will be introduced in the LMP2 category for crews with Bronze drivers. In addition, the best LMP2 Pro/Am crew (i.e. with a Bronze driver) will appear on the LMP2 podium.

trials

With the 2021 season being the first in the Hypercar category's five-year homologation cycle, there will be more testing before and during the season. The LMP2 and LMGTE Am categories will also benefit from additional testing mileage, while the limitations already in force in 2020 will still apply in LMGTE Pro.

Cost reduction measures

As part of ongoing efforts to implement cost reduction measures, the operational staff of Hypercar competitors will be limited to 40 people, or 43 for cars using a hybrid system (except for 24 Hours of Le Mans).

Race numbers and graphics

Race numbers can be chosen by competitors (from 1 to 999) before the end of entries, according to the “first come first served” rule. The only exception to this allocation process concerns the reigning LMP Teams' World Champion, who will have the option to use number 1 if they wish. According to certain standards, theCompetitors will also be able to choose the graphics of their race number. But this graphics as well as the colors must remain identical for teams entering more than one car in the same category.

24 hours of Le Mans

In order to adapt to the current context,he format of the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been revised and is now compacted over 10 days. The technical checks, scheduled for Friday and Saturday one week before the race, will cover both the Test Day, set for the Sunday preceding the event, and the race. The format of the Wednesday and Thursday practice sessions has also evolved in order to facilitate the work of the teams.

Finally, faithful to the tradition of innovation of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in accordance with its role as a player in sustainable mobility, the ACO will organize in 2021 an award rewarding Competitors' commitment to social and environmental responsibility (CSR). ).