Le Mans 2014 rule changes to give us more exciting races

A new set of rules should not only make the 2014 Le Mans season more interesting but also opens up a the options for LMP1 racers and guide their technology closer to that of road cars. Probably biggest of all is loosening the restraints on engine design. Currently, gas engines are limited in size to 3.4 liters, while diesel displacement can be no more than 3.7 liters, with further turbocharger, supercharger and air restrictor regulation on top of that. Those apply no more, the limitations of cylinders, restrictors and turbo pressures are removed.

However to keep a check on things, the cars will be limited to an energy allotment per lap. A fuel meter will allow a diesel-powered car 3.99 liters per lap, a gas-powered car would get 4.95 liters per lap, from tanks that are about 12 percent smaller. All LMP1 cars will be required to have closed cockpits, within which the driver will sit a little further forward and slightly higher to provide more visibility and, it is hoped, cut down on accidents when lapping slower traffic. Weights have been reduced, from the current minimum weight of 900 kilograms to 830 kg for non-hybrids and 850 kg for hybrids, and all factory entries will be required to compete with hybrid systems." The cars will also be thinner. Another change includes the banning of ultra exotic materials which will force car makers to use materials that apply to their mainstream vehicles and not just their supercars.

The point of the changes is to promote the development of more powerful cars along with development of technology that can be put to use in your everyday car.