The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved an amendment to technical regulations to allow for performance convergence between Le Mans Hypercar and LMDh, taking a significant step towards the prospect of having the two classes race together under a single category.
The Council Meeting in Monaco on Thursday saw an amendment greenlit that would allow convergence between the two classes, although the exact details of the amendment are yet to be revealed.
It does clear the way, however, for the two category to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship, starting from 2023.
The process of achieving convergence between the top classes for both series has been ongoing since early 2020, when the now-named LMDh category was first announced at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Since then, a significant number of major manufacturers have come onboard, with Toyota, Glickenhaus, Peugeot and Ferrari in the Le Mans Hypercar class, while BMW recently joined Acura, Audi and Porsche in LMDh.
While the exact details of the amendment are unclear as of yet, Porsche’s Vice President of Motorsport, Fritz Enzinger, has already voiced his approval.
“We very welcome the convergence between LMDh and LMH,” he said. “Thanks to FIA WEC and IMSA officials. This will create a great show for the fans around the world. We are very looking forward to step in prototype racing again.”
In addition to approving new regulations for LMH and LMDh, the Council also confirmed that existing LMP2 technical regulations will remain in place until the end of 2023.
