Ferrari’s 499P Le Mans Hypercar Faces Weight and Power Adjustments Ahead of Spa 6 Hours in WEC 2024
Balance of Performance Changes
The FIA has announced significant Balance of Performance (BoP) changes for the upcoming Spa 6 Hours, round three of the 2024 WEC, with Ferrari’s 499P Le Mans Hypercar being the most heavily impacted. The Italian marque’s dominant performance at Imola last month, which ultimately ended in disappointment due to tactical errors, has led to a 12kg increase in minimum weight and a 4kW (5bhp) reduction in maximum power for the Spa event.
The new BoP table, published on Tuesday, sets a minimum weight of 1060kg and a maximum power output of 506kW (678bhp) for the Ferrari 499P. In contrast, the Toyota GR010 HYBRID and Peugeot 9X8 2024 LMHs have gained 4kg, while the Porsche 963 LMDh has received a 4kg gain. Toyota and Porsche have also lost 1kW in maximum power, with Peugeot shedding 2kW.
“Every car in the Hypercar class, except the Cadillac V-Series.R, will start the Spa 6 Hours with increased weight compared to Imola. The American car remains at the lowest possible weight of 1030kg, but has lost 1kW in power.”
Other BoP adjustments include weight gains for the BMW M Hybrid V8 and Alpine A424 LMDhs (3kg), Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH Competizione (2kg), and Lamborghini SC63 (1kg). Power reductions have been implemented for BMW and Alpine (1kW), with the Lamborghini losing 2kW. The Isotta Fraschini LMH retains its class maximum power output of 520kW (697bhp).
Reasons for BoP Adjustments
The FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have not provided an explanation for the BoP adjustments, as per usual. However, the changes likely reflect the differing circuit characteristics of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps compared to Imola. It remains unclear if there has been a platform adjustment – the balance between LMH and LMDh machinery – for Spa.
The new BoP methodology, introduced this season, allows for across-the-board adjustments when the gap between the fastest LMH and LMDh is above a certain percentage. Additionally, the power gain feature, designed to more equally match the cars under acceleration and at maximum velocity, remains unused.
LMGT3 Category Changes
In the LMGT3 category, Aston Martin’s Vantage GT3 has been hit with a 21kg weight increase, following a 12kg reduction for Imola, meaning the car will start 9kg heavier than at the Qatar season-opener. The Ford Mustang GT3 will run 11kg lighter at Spa than at Imola, but has been given a minor reduction in maximum power.
Practice for the Spa 6 Hours begins on Thursday at 11:30 local time, with the FIA WEC 2024 season heating up ahead of the iconic endurance race.
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