Base of 2030 Hypercar regulations revealed, Hydrogen class also begins to take shape

Credit: Pete Phillips

After much speculation over the last year about the future of the current LMDh and LMH rulesets in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA Sportscar Championship, the FIA, the ACO and IMSA have today revealed an outline of the new single platform.

All cars will be two-wheel drive (current LMH cars are four-wheel drive with help from the hybrid system), with a minimum weight of 1040 kg. Crucially manufacturers have full freedom to develop their own chassis and Hybrid systems.

As with the current LMDh rules however, OEMs can enlist the help of chassis builders and similarly from designated hybrid suppliers. They will also have free choice of ICE structure and capacity, with these engines targeted to be 20 Kw more powerful than the current regulations.

It also seems that manufacturers will be required to being "enhanced visual identity" with their new cars for these regulations. It would be thought there would be a possibility for manufacturers to adapt their current LMDh or LMH cars to these new regs, but no confirmation has been made.

Car homologations in this new ruleset will be valid for five years at a time, with crucially no evos allowed during that time to "guarantee manufacturers a stable environment".

The ACO and the FIA have also agreed on regulations for a class of hydrogen H2 Hypercars. They will adopt the same basic regulations as the normal Hypercars in 2030 for powertrains, with no bespoke regulations set to follow. These cars will have a minimum weight of 1200 kg, 160 kg heavier than the non-hydrogen cars.

“We have real convergence with our friends [IMSA], we are convinced we can capitalise on this series. All brands will be visible and we will open a technological chapter.” said ACO president Pierre Fillon.

IMSA president John Doonan added; “Now we open up another chapter in this story. It’s our responsibility to make sure this moment for our sport continues. Having a single platform is something I have dreamed of since I was a boy.

"It’s a win for everyone. The manufacturers, constructors and fans. Through the collaboration the vision is one and the collaboration is strong to develop the next set of regulations and the moment we are in. It’s the working group’s job to define these now.

“The way everyone came together, these folks committed to be here and we are so grateful. Today is the framework, now it’s our responsibility to deliver value and return on investment for everyone involved. We hope this continues for decades and decades to come.”