A New Machine
03-03-2003, 10:41 AM
Just got a message from www.lemans.org/ about the 2004 regulations. The news is good!
The regulations are a common work of the ACO, FIA and the manufactures and have been ratified by the World Council! Miracles can happen!
France's Grand Am is in a total grand jam, a dead end street.
Both open and closed prototype cars have the same rules!
Le Mans prototype LM P1 open or closed car weight minimum 900 kilos.. Replaces LMP900 and LMP GTP. Only cars that can claim overall victory at Le Mans.
Le Mans prototype LM P2 open or closed car weight minimum 750kilos. Replaces the LMP675. Class aimed at the private competitors.
I do not like the added weight penalty of 75 kilos for the LM P2s.
Plus a number of new safety rules and specifications are added. Mostly driver protection issues.
but included with them this note,
In order to improve the horizonal stability of the prototype cars, large studies have been realized about car aerodynamics. Numerous wind-tunnel test have permitted to determine new definitions concerning the underside of the cars: IT CAN BE STATED THAT THE FLAT BOTTOM NO LONGER EXITS.
No more learning how to fly at Le Mans or Road Atlanta.
The section and length of the rear wing will be reduced.
Engine rules stay pretty much the same as now.
Looks like good days ahead for ALMS and FIA sportscar series as well as Le Mans. :D
The regulations are a common work of the ACO, FIA and the manufactures and have been ratified by the World Council! Miracles can happen!
France's Grand Am is in a total grand jam, a dead end street.
Both open and closed prototype cars have the same rules!
Le Mans prototype LM P1 open or closed car weight minimum 900 kilos.. Replaces LMP900 and LMP GTP. Only cars that can claim overall victory at Le Mans.
Le Mans prototype LM P2 open or closed car weight minimum 750kilos. Replaces the LMP675. Class aimed at the private competitors.
I do not like the added weight penalty of 75 kilos for the LM P2s.
Plus a number of new safety rules and specifications are added. Mostly driver protection issues.
but included with them this note,
In order to improve the horizonal stability of the prototype cars, large studies have been realized about car aerodynamics. Numerous wind-tunnel test have permitted to determine new definitions concerning the underside of the cars: IT CAN BE STATED THAT THE FLAT BOTTOM NO LONGER EXITS.
No more learning how to fly at Le Mans or Road Atlanta.
The section and length of the rear wing will be reduced.
Engine rules stay pretty much the same as now.
Looks like good days ahead for ALMS and FIA sportscar series as well as Le Mans. :D