The Balance of Performance (BoP) measures for the Hypercar category has been finalised ahead of the FIA World Endurance Championship season-opener in Qatar on 2 March.
The FIA WEC has detailed the BoP measures for the 1812 km Qatar season-opener on 2 March, which will be preceded by two days of pre-season testing on 24-25 February.
Nine Hypercar manufacturers will be entering the 2024 season, marking the debut of Alpine – excluding their 2021 and 2022 venture with the ‘grandfathered LMP1’ – and for BMW, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini.
Figures have been drawn up for the minimum weight (kilograms), maximum power (Kilowatts), and maximum energy per stint (Megajoules) of each car.
For the first time in the WEC’s Hypercar era, all entrants in the category will utilise hybrid powertrains, with LMDh cars being mandated with their specification Bosch motor generator units.
Firstly, the Peugeot 9X8 LMH will activate its ERS from 150 kph, whereas the other LMH cars – Toyota GR010 Hybrid, Ferrari 499P and Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH Competizione – will activate theirs from 190 kph.
All nine Hypercars for 2024
The Alpine A424 LMDh will have a 1070 kg minimum weight, 510 kW/693 hp, and a maximum energy stint of 909 MJ.
BMW’s M Hybrid V8 LMDh will weigh in 10 kg less than Alpine at 1060 kg and produce a maximum 506 kW/687 hp. Its maximum stint energy is at 904 MJ.
Once again, Cadillac Racing will enter one #02 V-Series.R LMDh which will be the second-lightest Hypercar at 1032 kg, the least-powerful at 499 kW/678 hp, and the lowest maximum energy per stint at 891 MJ.
As reigning Le Mans 24 Hours winners from last year’s Centenary Edition, Ferrari have their targets set on closing the gap to Toyota.
Their 499P will have a 1075 kg minimum weight figure, with 503kW/683 hp and 902 MJ of maximum stint energy.
Isotta Fraschini‘s single #11 Tipo 6 LMH Competizione effort will be the second-heaviest Hypercar at 1085 kg, but will also be the second-most powerful at 514kW/698 hp.
For its debut race in Qatar, the maximum stint energy will be set at the highest of all, at 917 MJ.
Lamborghini are set to also field one entry with their new #63 SC63 LMDh, which will weigh in at 1041 kg and be the second-least powerful at 502 kW/682 hp, in addition to an 895 MJ maximum energy stint rating.
In light of the challenging season Peugeot faced last year, the BoP will attempt to provoke their competitiveness with their two 9X8 LMHs.
A further reminder that they will introduce their 2024 car after Qatar.
They will be the most powerful make at 520 kW/707 hp, and weigh the lightest at 1030 kg, with a maximum stint energy identical to BMW at 904 MJ.
Porsche Penske Motorsport look to add onto their sole podium appearance last year at the 6 Hours of Fuji, though will use no evolution upgrades on their 963 LMDh.
Their minimum weight will be at 1048 kg, with a maximum power output of 505 kW/686 hp, and a maximum stint energy level of 900 MJ.
Last but not least, outgoing champions Toyota GAZOO Racing continued to reign supreme with their GR010 Hybrid, having competed since the beginning of the era in 2021.
As a result, they hold the heaviest weight figure at 1089 kg with a power output identical to Alpine at 510 kW/693 hp, and 914 MJ as their maximum energy stint figure.
