WEC News: Toyota gets another BoP hit - excellence discouraged

In socialist run sportscar racing, excellence is discouraged – if you go too fast they slow you down and if you are inferior, they speed you up. Just ask Toyota, who have taken multiple BoP hits over the years.

This weekend’s FIA World Endurance Championship round heads to the Circuit of the Americas for the Lone Star Le Mans six-hour race, with Interlagos winners Toyota getting the fat-end of the BoP downgrade

Their attempt at a sixth straight drivers and manufacturers crown will be under threat at COTA, with the Toyota GR010 machines carrying an increase in weight and decrease in power in Texas.

They’ll carry an extra 5kg in minimum weight (1060kg ) after their victory at Interlagos last time out, whilst they will also contend with a 12bhp reduction (or 9kW).

However, the Toyota straight line speed won’t be wanting, with 4.6% power increase above 250kph under the new power gain feature rules.

The leading Porsche has also been given a power reduction, with the 963’s operating with a 4bhp cut, whilst they race at 1053kg (up 2kg).

That leaves Ferrari race at a similar competitive weight the 963 machines, with the #50 499P Le Mans winner of Antonio Fuoco/Nicklas Nielsen/Miguel Molina, looking to close the 19 point gap at the top to the #6 Porsche piloted by Kevin Estre/Andre Lotterer/Laurens Vanthoor.

Ferrari struggled as the heaviest hypercar at the undulating Brazilian track with a high of fifth place running at 1060kg, but it will lose 5kg along with a 3kW power loss.

All of Peugeot, BMW, and Lamborghini will lose weight for COTA, with the SC63 Lamborghini to race as the lightest machine.