The current Balance of Performance (BoP) system in endurance racing has come under scrutiny, prompting discussions among WEC rule makers, the FIA, and the Automobile Club. Manufacturers involved in the championship were called upon to express their opinions, resulting in a divided landscape regarding the future of the BoP. This article delves into the inadequacies of the current system and highlights the need for change to ensure a fair and competitive environment for high-profile manufacturers and the fans.
During the meeting held in Paris, the FIA and the Automobile Club engaged in detailed conversations about potential changes to the BoP system for 2024. While the exact details of the discussions remain undisclosed due to regulatory restrictions, what became apparent was the majority of manufacturers’ desire to maintain the status quo and retain the current system introduced this season.
One pivotal aspect of the proposed changes involves preserving certain foundational aspects of the current BoP, such as mitigating the advantages of the four-wheel-drive Le Mans Hypercar hybrids. However, a contentious point that emerged from the discussions was the futility of attempting to achieve an exact match of performance among different cars. Formulaic parity disregards the unique characteristics of each manufacturer’s vehicle, leading to unintended consequences and dissatisfaction.
Toyota’s President, Akio Toyoda, conveyed his discontent with the current BoP system after his team’s GR010 HYBRID LMH was beaten by the Ferrari 499P LMH at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Toyoda attributed the defeat to “politics,” alluding to changes made outside the 2023 BoP system in the build-up to the race. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among manufacturers that external influences can determine the outcome of races rather than true performance.
The new-for-2023 BoP system introduced a more structured approach to adjustments throughout the season, limited only to the balance between LMH and LMDh machinery, designated as the platform BoP. However, controversy arose over the possibility of implementing one-off wholesale changes to all cars, referred to as the manufacturer BoP, post-Le Mans. Ferrari subtly criticized these changes when it finished second to Toyota on home ground, lamenting an “imposed limitation” that put them at a disadvantage without explicitly mentioning the BoP.
As discussions unfolded, it became apparent that Ferrari and Toyota held diverging opinions on potential changes to the BoP system. Ferrari leaned towards supporting alterations, while Toyota maintained a more conservative stance. Porsche, on the other hand, seemed aligned with Toyota, with Thomas Laudenbach, head of motorsport, favoring a more “reactive” BoP system.
At the Fuji WEC round, Pascal Vasselon, Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe boss, expressed his concerns over the sustainability of the current system. Vasselon argued that the BoP effectively absolves manufacturers of performance responsibility, undermining the progress made in terms of reliability and team strategy. He deemed the pursuit of a zero performance gap between cars as unrealistic and advocated for a system that places the onus on manufacturers to define their own fate.
Vasselon believes that his view is shared by several others within the industry, leading to a growing momentum for change. The current system not only leaves room for inaccuracies that results in complaints when races are lost but also risks diminishing the importance of manufacturer innovation and individual skill. To preserve the integrity and excitement of endurance racing, a revised BoP system should aim to create a level playing field while empowering manufacturers to make the critical difference that secures victories.
The current BoP system in endurance racing has reached a critical juncture. The dissatisfaction among manufacturers and the inherent limitations of the formulaic approach provide a compelling case for change. Striking a delicate balance between parity and individuality is essential to ensure a fair and competitive environment. The fans, drivers, and manufacturers deserve a BoP system that allows for ingenuity, strategy, and true performance to define the outcome of races.
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