WEC sets up automatic Balance of Performance for GTE

The new system of balancing the different types of car on the grid is designed to be more transparent and to take the human element out of what has always been a controversial system.

The BoP for each make of car will now be adjusted on a race-by-race basis according to a preset equation or algorithm, which has been devised by rule makers the FIA and the ACO and the competing manufacturers.

The new system has been brought in after a controversial 2016 season following the introduction of the new breed of car in GTE Pro.

Multiple changes of BoP through the season failed to deliver close racing on the track.

The key detail in a document released today by the FIA states that 60 percent of the laps by the fastest car from each manufacturer in the race will be used to determine how the BoP is adjusted.

The alorigthm has not been published, despite the promise of transparency.

It is understood that the equation also factors in the two best stints over a six-hour WEC race by the fastest car from each manufacturer.

The mathematical tool also takes into account the straightline performance of the cars and their performance through different sectors of the race lap.

When a make of car has not covered enough distance or is excessively slow there will be no change, which will also be the case when there are abnormal weather conditions.

The system allows for the performance of the cars to be adjusted by changing the minimum weights and power outputs of the cars.

These adjustments are capped at a maximum of 20kg and 10kW (approximately 13.5bhp).

The double-points Le Mans 24 Hours round of the WEC is not subject to the new system and will have its own BoP courtesy of the specific nature of the circuit.

It has been agreed by the rule makers and manufactuers that no change will be made under the new system until after the first two regular six-hour races.

That means the first adjustments under the new system will come into force for the Nurburging round in July.

The starting BoP has already been published ahead of the opening round of the WEC at Silverstone on April 16. All the GTE Pro cars have been given more power to maintain a gap to the GTE Am cars.

The other major change since the end of last season is an additional 15kg for the Aston Martin Vantage GTE.