Ferrari Regains Engine Power for Interlagos WEC Round After Le Mans Penalty
Ferrari has been restored to its original engine power ahead of the Interlagos 6 Hours, following a 1.7% reduction in maximum power above 250km/h (155mph) imposed at the Le Mans 24 Hours under the new power gain element of the Hypercar class Balance of Performance (BoP). The Italian manufacturer’s 499P will now benefit from a positive 1.8% power gain for the Sao Paolo race, the fifth round of the WEC 2023 calendar.
Ferrari’s technical director, Ferdinando Cannizzo, had expressed concerns over the initial power loss, hinting that it would affect the car’s raceability, particularly at a track like Le Mans, where speeds above 250km/h are reached for 45% of the time. Although the team refrained from openly criticizing the decision, Cannizzo suggested that the media draw its own conclusions on the impact of the BoP changes.
“Ferrari managed to increase its straight-line speed throughout the Le Mans race week. However, the Toyota GR010 HYBRID LMH ultimately proved to be the faster car in wet and damp conditions.”
For the Interlagos race, the maximum power allowed from the 499P’s hybrid powertrain below the 250km/h threshold has been reduced to 503kW (674bhp), down from 508kW (678bhp) at Le Mans. The minimum weight of the car has also been increased to 1060kg, up from 1043kg.
Notably, these figures are largely in line with those from the Spa round in May, where Ferrari looked poised to win before the race was controversially restarted. The Le Mans BoP is considered separate from other WEC rounds due to the unique characteristics of the 8.47-mile Circuit de la Sarthe.
Changes to the Hypercar Field
The rest of the Hypercar field has also seen changes, with the Porsche 963, Peugeot 9X8 2024, and Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 Competitzione LMH all receiving weight adjustments. The Toyota GR010 will run 4kg lighter than at Spa, with power down 9kW, while the Alpine A424 LMDh has been given a minus 1.3% correction above 250km/h.
As the WEC 2023 season heads to Interlagos, Ferrari will be determined to capitalize on its regained power advantage and secure a strong result in Brazil. The FIA WEC 2024 calendar is still to be announced, but teams are already looking ahead to the next season, with the WEC 2024 calendar expected to feature new challenges and opportunities.
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