The 2016 season will be something of a transition period with the introduction of new regulations which will apply only to LM GTE Pro cars this year, before being extended to LM GTE Am in 2017. Therefore, for the first time ever, LM GTE Am will have its own technical regulations in 2016 as the class will be restricted to cars more than one year old. Meanwhile, in LM GTE Pro, new cars will line up in the 2016 World Endurance Championship (WEC) alongside older cars brought up to spec.

The new technical regulations will overhaul the LM GTE Pro class as cars with more aggressive styling and improved racing performance make their appearance in 2016. Safety obviously remains an important issue as seen in the requirement for a driver escape hatch in the roof and alterations to the driver’s seat for improved protection in a collision.

Technical changes include the introduction of a “performance window” to balance the performance of the cars more effectively. The diversity of the cars in this class makes this a necessary development. A model of each car was tested in the autumn to determine the balance of performance for the coming season.

While restrictions remain in force on engines and turbos, constructors will have a degree of freedom on bumpers, wheel housings and the rear wing provided that they remain within the performance window which will be closely inspected.

The 2016 season will therefore see the Ferrari 488, the Ford GT and other new models race alongside older cars, such as the Aston Martin Vantage, the Corvette C7.R and the Porsche 911, brought into line with the new regulations.

Cécile Bonardel / ACO
Translated from French by David Goward

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SUNDAY 31 MAY 2015, TEST DAY. To comply with the new regulations in LM GTE Pro, Ferrari has opted for a new car while Aston Martin has modified last year’s model.