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Porsche Gains Weight Adjustment Ahead of Imola WEC Round
Porsche is set to benefit from the most significant weight reduction in the Hypercar Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations for the upcoming Imola round of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The company’s 963 LMDh vehicle will compete in the 6 Hours of Imola on April 20, with a 11kg lighter specification compared to the season opener in Qatar held in February.
Despite this weight adjustment, the 963’s total weight of 1053kg for the Imola race is still 20kg heavier than it was during the same event last year. Additionally, the maximum power output for the 963 has been reduced by 5kW (approximately 6.7bhp), in line with BoP measures intended to balance performance among various Hypercar manufacturers.
This decision comes after a less than stellar performance from Porsche at the Qatar race, where the two factory entries from Porsche Penske Motorsport (PPM) finished in 10th and 11th place. In contrast, last year the team secured second and third positions in Imola, racing under challenging wet conditions.
Other competitors are also experiencing weight adjustments for the Imola race. The Alpine A424 LMDh has seen a 2kg reduction, while the Peugeot 9X8 has been adjusted down by 1kg. The Peugeot model now races below the series’ minimum weight of 1030kg and is configured to produce a maximum power of 520kW (697bhp).
Meanwhile, Cadillac has faced the most considerable weight increase following the new BoP updates released this week. The minimum weight for its V-Series.R LMDh has risen to 1041kg from the previous 1030kg set in Qatar, but it has benefited from a power increase of 7kW (9.4bhp).
Ferrari’s 499P LMHs, which dominated the podium in Qatar, will race at an 8kg higher weight compared to this year while gaining 7kW from the Qatar performance. The Italian team is looking to repeat its success, having narrowly missed victory at Imola last year due to a tactical error amid changing weather conditions.
Toyota’s GR010 HYBRID LMH maintains its minimum weight at 1065kg but will race with a reduction of 3kW (4bhp). BMW has also received a weight increase of 5kg, but its maximum power has been augmented by 8kW (10.7bhp), indicating a strategic adjustment in the BoP aimed at enhancing competitive balance.
Aston Martin’s newly introduced non-hybrid Valkyrie LMH will see its minimum weight raised by 9kg for the upcoming race, further complicating its competitive strategy.
Practice sessions for the Imola 6 Hours begin on Friday, April 18, as teams finalize preparations for what promises to be an exciting and competitive event in the global endurance racing calendar.
Source
www.autosport.com