The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has confirmed that power output for all LMP2 series will be reduced in order to accommodate the new-for-2021 Le Mans Hypercar category.
The power reduction from 600 to 560 horsepower has previously been confirmed for the FIA World Endurance Championship, but at the time, it was unclear if the reduction would also apply to other global LMP2 series.
The ACO has now confirmed that this power reduction will also apply to the European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series and IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship.
“2021 will see the introduction of the new premier category in endurance racing, Hypercar and, in order to reconcile the different levels of performance between the Hypercar and LMP2 classes, the ACO and the FIA have decided to adjust the pace of the LMP2s by reducing their power,” the ACO wrote in a statement.
“The Gibson engines, which are exclusive to this category, will therefore deliver 560 bhp instead of 600. This decision will have no economic impact on the teams involved. Furthermore, power reduction will induced lower running costs.”
“With the revised WEC calendar for 2021 seeing a return to the traditional one calendar year format, it seemed judicious to introduce this level of performance to all championships (FIA WEC, European Le Mans Series, IMSA and Asian Le Mans Series) which will have cars competing in the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
