Pascal Vasselon: The GR 010 is “a completely new car”

What are the major differences between the TS050 Hybrid and the GR010 Hybrid (see photos here)?

If the dimensions differ, the main difference concerns the architecture of the hybrid system. In LM P1, we could use various systems. From now on, the regulations require us to have a single SREC (Kinetic energy recovery system. Editor's note) and a single electronic braking system, both at the front. This brought many changes and challenges. For example, we no longer have MGU (motor unit. Editor's note) at the rear and therefore use a starter and the rear braking system is now fully hydraulic, like on a traditional racing car.

What percentage of parts do the two cars share?

With the exception of generic parts like switches, sensors and others, almost no parts could be transferred, due to the fact that the philosophies of the regulations to which these two cars comply are completely different. This is a completely new car.

What times can we expect with these new regulations?

There is a significant impact on lap times. The goal is for performance to be more affordable. However, the search for performance generates costs. Efforts to reduce costs therefore go hand in hand with the acceptance of lowered performance. Expect an increase in lap times of around 10 seconds at Le Mans and four or five seconds on a classic 5km circuit.

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