The Events are reserved exclusively for "Le Mans Prototype" cars (Hypercar and LMP2) and "Le Mans Grand Touring Endurance" cars (LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am) as defined in the 2021 Technical Regulations. Each new car, or each evolution of an existing car, must be homologated/approved by the FIA and the ACO.
Hypercar
The new-for-2021 Hypercar class is the top-tier category in the FIA World Endurance Championship which is open to both specialised prototypes and cars based around road-going vehicles.
This news class will feature two types of car:
- LMD (Le Mans Hypercar, from 2021)
- LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h, from 2022)
The ultimate aim is for these two types of car to compete against east other in the FIA WEC and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and, therefore, to race in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
2021
In 2021, only cars built in accordance with ‘Le Mans Hypercar’ technical regulations may compete. These regulations leave scope for a wide variety of architectures and allow a front-axle hybrid system to be fitted.
All cars competing in the Hypercar class will be shod with Michelin tyres (exclusive tyre supplier) from 2021. Lap times for the 24 Hours of Le Mans are estimated at 3:30.00. Consequently, the hierarchy in relation to the LMP2 class needed to be redefined.
The budget required to run two cars throughout a WEC season will be almost 80% lower than a similar LMP1 Hybrid programme.
2022
In 2022, the Hypercar class will open to manufacturers choosing to compete under LMDh regulations. In LMDh, the backbone of the car – i.e the whole car minus the internal combustion engine, the body and the hybrid system – will be supplied by one of four chassis manufacturers: Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier or Oreca.
This chassis structure will also be that of the next generation LMP2s. The common rear-axle hybrid system is mandatory.
Like the hybrid LMH, the LMDh will have a total combined output (engine + hybrid system) or 500 kW and a minimum weight of 1030kg.
LMP2
Homologated LMP2 cars from 2017 forward, which have a homologation form issued by the FIA/ACO dating after 1 January 2017, are admissible in their own right once they are in conformity with the 2021 LMP2 Technical Regulations.
LMGTE
Homologated LMGTE cars which have a homologation form issued by the FIA/ACO dating before 1 January 2016 are admissible in their own right once they are in conformity with the 2021 LMGTE Technical Regulations.
Homologated LMGTE cars from 2016 forward, which have a homologation form issued by the FIA/ACO dating after 1 January 2016, are admissible with full rights once they are in conformity with the 2021 LMGTE Technical Regulations.
Reserve cars
Reserve cars are not admitted. A reserve car is a car that is not intended to take part in the Event but to substitute if necessary for the one registered by the competitor as the principal race car.
Cars using technologies that are considered to be innovative may be admitted, with the agreement of the Endurance Committee, and will not score points in the Championship.