LMDh

Last updated
In order, Cadillac, Acura and BMW at Road America GTP (53107337217).jpg
In order, Cadillac, Acura and BMW at Road America

LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) [1] is a sports prototype category that competes alongside Le Mans Hypercar entries in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship from 2023. [2] It also competes in the Hypercar class in the FIA World Endurance Championship. [3]

Contents

The LMDh ruleset was created jointly by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). [4] The cars serve as the successor to the Daytona Prototype International class, utilising regulations that were planned to become the next-generation Daytona Prototype International ruleset, converged with the Le Mans Hypercar ruleset. [5]

The FIA World Motor Sport Council had allowed LMDh cars to participate in the 2022 WEC season on a race-by-race basis, "to ensure the seamless introduction" in 2023; however, no LMDh cars would end up participating at any of the 2022 season races, and they would instead make their debut in the 2023 season. [6]

History

DPi 2.0

Following the FIA World Endurance Championship's transition to a winter calendar in 2018, IMSA announced in January 2018, that it would extend the homologation periods for LMP2, DPi and GTE-spec machinery in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship by an additional year. This would delay the homologation periods in the championship by roughly six months, which necessitated the homologation extension from IMSA. As such, the DPi and LMP2 cars, which were originally confirmed for a four-year period through 2020, would now be eligible for competition until at least the end of the 2021 season. [7] Despite calls from manufacturers to retain the DPi platform and regulations for the 2022 season, then-IMSA President Scott Atherton announced that IMSA was looking at other options beyond a further extension to the life of the DPi platform. [8]

On May 6, 2019, IMSA announced that the next generation DPi ruleset, known as DPi 2.0 would be an evolution based on the current LMP2-based platform, featuring hybrid technology from a single supplier, with supply voltage being unconfirmed. [9] A few days later, IMSA's VP of Competition Simon Hodgson stated that the next-generation DPi regulations would be expected to feature increased styling measures, by opening up more areas where manufacturers were able to add styling cues. Hodgson also indicated that the enlarged scope for styling cues may also come alongside regulations that dictated minimum level of styling required from each manufacturer. [10]

On June 24, 2019, it was revealed that IMSA had held discussions with manufacturers regarding the incorporation of hybrid technology in the next-generation DPi ruleset, with manufacturers on the DPi 2.0 steering committee divided over the level electrification in the hybrid systems. Electrification concepts proposed included high and low-voltage systems of varying costs. [11] A further meeting held in late June saw a 400-volt system, providing in the range of 70-90 kW (90-120 hp) of electric power emerge as the leading electrification option. [12] However, despite 400-volt systems having emerged as the leading option in June, it was revealed in September that discussions had yet to reach any form of consensus, although it was agreed that manufacturers could build their own hybrid systems. [13]

DPi 2.0 and LMH convergence

Following the 2019 "Super Sebring" weekend which saw the 2019 12 Hours of Sebring held on the same weekend as the inaugural 1000 Miles of Sebring, WEC CEO Gerard Neveu revealed the possibility of DPi becoming included as part of the "Hypercar" regulations, with the integration of DPis depending on the performance levels of both platforms. [14] On July 31, 2019, FIA World Endurance Championship CEO Gerard Neveu revealed that an active effort was underway between the ACO and IMSA technical departments to seek similar performance targets between Hypercar and DPi 2.0, which would allow for both platforms to eventually crossover and compete head to head. [15]

On November 11, 2019, WEC's sole LMP1 manufacturer Toyota stated it would be open for DPi integration into the FIA World Endurance Championship's top class, on the condition it would not hinder the Japanese manufacturer from displaying its hybrid technology. [16] Shortly after the release of the LMH Technical regulations, McLaren announced it would not be considering a LMH programme, and instead called for DPi to be brought into the WEC, with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown stating that a LMH programme was unviable for the British manufacturer, calling for steep reduction in costs. [17] Ford and Porsche expressed similar sentiments, calling for convergence between LMH and DPi. [18]

On 15 January 2020, Toyota Racing Development president and general manager David Wilson expressed support for convergence between both platforms, stating that convergence of the two platforms would serve as a compelling reason for Lexus to launch a DPi programme. [19]

LMDh

On 24 January 2020, ahead of the 2020 24 Hours of Daytona, a joint ACO and IMSA press conference was held at the Daytona International Speedway, [20] where ACO and IMSA announced the new Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) ruleset. It would supersede the Daytona Prototype International, and was converged with the Le Mans Hypercar regulations. It was planned to first be introduced in Europe starting from September 2021, before having its North American debut in 2022 at the 2022 Rolex 24 at Daytona. [5] [21]

Despite initial plans to allow manufacturers to build their own hybrid systems, this was scrapped in the draft LMDh regulations released in May, in favour of a spec 50kW hybrid system. [22] The draft regulations stated that a car weight of 1030 kg, 500 kW peak of combined power from engine and hybrid system, a single bodywork package, a single tyre supplier, alongside a global Balance of Performance system to balance out LMDh and LMH cars. [23] [24] The gearbox hybrid system will be supplied by Xtrac with an integrated motor generator unit supplied by Bosch and batteries from Williams Advanced Engineering. [25] [26] [27] The chassis suppliers will be Dallara, Ligier, Multimatic and Oreca. [25] IMSA has said it will refer to the class as GTP, in reference to the 1980s category. [28]

Manufacturers

ManufacturerModelPictureChassisDebutSource
Acura ARX-06
2023 Acura ARX-06 Daytona.jpg
Oreca 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [29]
BMW M Hybrid V8
2024 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 No.20 (DSC05965).jpg
Dallara 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [30]
Cadillac V-Series.R
2024 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-Series.R No.2 (DSC05870).jpg
Dallara 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [31]
Porsche 963
2024 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 No.6 (DSC06324).jpg
Multimatic 2023 24 Hours of Daytona [32]
Alpine A424
2024 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Alpine Endurance Team Alpine A424 No.35 (DSC06252).jpg
Oreca 2024 Qatar 1812 km [33] [34] [35] [36]
Lamborghini SC63
2024 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Lamborghini Iron Lynx Lamborghini SC63 No.63 (DSC02437).jpg
Ligier 2024 Qatar 1812 km [37] [38]
Genesis GMR-001 Oreca 2026 [39] [40]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Le Mans Prototype</span> Sportscar endurance racing class

A Le Mans Prototype (LMP) is a type of sports prototype race car used in various races and championships, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA SportsCar Championship, European Le Mans Series, and Asian Le Mans Series. Le Mans Prototypes were created by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The technical requirements for an LMP include bodywork covering all mechanical elements of the car. As of 2023, there are two classes within Le Mans Prototypes, designated LMP2 and LMP3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FIA World Endurance Championship</span> Auto racing championship held worldwide

The FIA World Endurance Championship, abbreviated as WEC, is an auto racing world championship for sports car racing organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) and sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The series supersedes the ACO's former Intercontinental Le Mans Cup which began in 2010 and is the revival of the World Sportscar Championship which ended after the 1992 season. The World Endurance Championship name was previously used by the FIA from 1981 to 1985.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IMSA SportsCar Championship</span> North American auto racing series

The IMSA SportsCar Championship, currently known as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship under sponsorship, is a sports car racing series based in the United States and Canada and organized by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). It is a result of a merger between two existing North American sports car racing series, the American Le Mans Series and Rolex Sports Car Series. At its inception, the name was United SportsCar Championship, which subsequently changed to IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2016. Rolex SA's Tudor brand was the championship's title sponsor in 2014 and 2015, and since 2016 WeatherTech has served as title sponsor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oreca 07</span> Le Mans Prototype by French manufacturer Oreca

The Oreca 07 is a Le Mans Prototype built by French manufacturer Oreca to meet the 2017 FIA and ACO LMP2 regulations. It made its official race debut in the opening round of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and its FIA World Endurance Championship debut at the 2017 6 Hours of Silverstone. The car is the successor to the Oreca 05.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebellion R13</span> Sports car racing prototype

The Rebellion R13 is a sports prototype racing car built by French constructor Oreca on behalf of Swiss-based team Rebellion Racing. It is a variation of the Oreca 07, created to compete in the LMP1 class. It would later be renamed by Alpine to Alpine A480 when it was rebadged to run as a grandfathered into the Hypercar class in 2021 and 2022.

The 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship was the ninth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an auto racing series organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series is open to prototype and grand tourer-style racing cars divided into four categories. World Championship titles were awarded to the leading manufacturers and drivers in both the prototype and grand tourer divisions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daytona Prototype International</span> Type of sports prototype race car

A Daytona Prototype International (DPi) was a type of sports prototype racing car developed specifically for the International Motor Sports Association's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, as their top class of car, acting as a direct replacement, and spiritual successor of the Daytona Prototypes. They are named after the main series event, the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The class made its racing debut at the 2017 24 Hours of Daytona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Le Mans Hypercar</span> Type of sports prototype race car

A Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) is a type of sports prototype race car that competes alongside LMDh entries in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship. It will also compete in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship from 2023.

The 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship was the tenth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an auto racing series organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series was open to prototype and grand tourer-style racing cars divided into four categories. World Championship titles were awarded to the leading manufacturers and drivers in both the prototype and grand tourer divisions.

The 2022 IMSA SportsCar Championship was the 52nd racing season sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), which traces its lineage back to the 1971 IMSA GT Championship. This was also the ninth season of the IMSA SportsCar Championship since the merger between the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2014, and the seventh under the sponsorship of WeatherTech. The series began on January 27 for the 24 Hours of Daytona, and ended on October 1 with the Petit Le Mans after 12 races.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Porsche 963</span> Sports prototype racing car

The Porsche 963 is an LMDh sports prototype racing car designed by Porsche and built by Multimatic, to compete in the Hypercar and GTP classes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship, respectively. The 963 name draws inspiration from the Porsche 956 and Porsche 962 that raced in the 1980s, which also competed in American and European racing series. The car was revealed at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a traditional red, white, and black livery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW M Hybrid V8</span> Sports prototype racing car built by BMW

The BMW M Hybrid V8 is a sports prototype racing car designed by BMW M and built by Dallara. It is designed to the Le Mans Daytona h regulations, and debuted in the 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship at the season-opening 24 Hours of Daytona. It marks BMW's first return to the top-flight of sports prototype racing since the BMW V12 LMR in 1999. The car will also contest the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2024 onwards.

The 2023 IMSA SportsCar Championship was the 53rd racing season sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association, which traces its lineage back to the 1971 IMSA GT Championship. It was also the tenth season of the IMSA SportsCar Championship since the merger between the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2014, and the eighth under the sponsorship of WeatherTech. The 2023 season marked an overhaul season for the championship, with a change in class structure and a new race on the season calendar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The championship began with the 24 Hours of Daytona on January 28 and concluded with the Petit Le Mans on October 14 after 11 races.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 FIA World Endurance Championship</span> Eleventh season of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)

The 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship was the eleventh season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an auto racing series organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series was open to prototype and grand tourer-style racing cars divided into three categories. World Championship titles were awarded to the leading drivers in both the prototype and grand tourer divisions and to the leading manufacturer in prototype division.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanwall Vandervell 680</span> Sports prototype racing car built by Vanwall Racing Team

The Vanwall Vandervell 680 is a sports prototype racing car designed and built by Vanwall Racing Team. It is designed to the Le Mans Hypercar regulations and made its debut in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship at the season-opening 1000 Miles of Sebring.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2024 FIA World Endurance Championship</span> Twelfth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)

The 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship was the twelfth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an auto racing series organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series was open to Hypercars and, for the first time, LMGT3 racing cars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lamborghini SC63</span> Sports prototype racing car

The Lamborghini SC63 is an LMDh sports prototype racing car designed by Lamborghini and built by Ligier to compete in the Hypercar and GTP classes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship, respectively.

The 2024 IMSA SportsCar Championship is a motor racing championship, which is the 54th racing season sanctioned by the International Motor Sports Association and traces its lineage back to the 1971 IMSA GT Championship. It is also the eleventh season of the IMSA SportsCar Championship since the merger between the American Le Mans Series and the Rolex Sports Car Series in 2014, and the ninth under the sponsorship of WeatherTech. Following a change in class structure for the 2024 season, the IMSA SportsCar Championship saw a major expansion of its full-time grid across all of its classes.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH is an upcoming sports prototype developed by Aston Martin Racing and Multimatic to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship in the Hypercar category and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in the GTP category respectively. The car is a heavily modified racing version fitted to Le Mans Hypercar regulations based on Aston Martin's Valkyrie AMR Pro track car.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2025 FIA World Endurance Championship</span> Thirteenth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)

The 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship will be the thirteenth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an auto racing series organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series will be open to Hypercars and LMGT3 racing cars.

References

  1. ↑ "LMDh Technical Regulations" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 5 May 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2023.
  2. ↑ "IMSA Top Class to Be Named GTP Beginning in 2023". www.imsa.com . 27 January 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  3. ↑ "WEC allows LMDh cars to race in Hypercar class in 2022". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2022-06-28.
  4. ↑ "ACO, IMSA reveal LMDh regulation details". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2022-08-10.
  5. 1 2 Pruett, Marshall (24 January 2020). "LMDh to replace DPi in new IMSA ACO convergence". www.racer.com. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  6. ↑ "FIA announces World Motor Sport Council decisions". www.fia.com . 19 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 April 2022. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  7. ↑ Dagys, John. "IMSA Extends LMP2, DPi, GTE Homologation Periods – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  8. ↑ Dagys, John. "Atherton Downplays DPi Regs Extension; "New Content" for '22 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  9. ↑ Dagys, John. "IMSA Confirms 'Mild Hybrid', Evolution Strategy for DPi 2.0 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  10. ↑ Dagys, John. "DPi 2.0 Set for Increased Styling Measures – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  11. ↑ Dagys, John. "IMSA Yet to Decide on Hybrid Voltage for DPi 2.0 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  12. ↑ Dagys, John. "High-Voltage Hybrids Emerge as Favored Option for DPi 2.0 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  13. ↑ "Hybrid Size & Shape, The Sticking Point For DPI 2022? – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  14. ↑ Dagys, John. "FIA, ACO Leave Door Open for DPis in New Top Class Regs – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  15. ↑ Dagys, John. "Neveu Hopeful of Hypercar, DPi 2.0 Crossover for 2022 – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  16. ↑ Dagys, John. "Toyota Open to DPi Integration into WEC's Top Class – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  17. ↑ "McLaren won't build hypercar, wants DPi in WEC". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  18. ↑ "McLaren & Porsche Still Pushing For Hypercar-DPi 2.0 Convergence – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  19. ↑ Dagys, John. "Lexus in Support of DPi/Hypercar Convergence; Le Mans Prospects – Sportscar365". sportscar365.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  20. ↑ "Significant Conference To Take Place Tomorrow – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  21. ↑ Silvestro, Brian (2020-01-24). "ACO and IMSA Are Creating a New Joint Top-Level Le Mans Prototype Class". Road & Track. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  22. ↑ "LMDH-Hypercar Convergence Technical Details Released (Updated) – dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  23. ↑ Cotton, Andrew (28 January 2020). "WEC Hypercar update". www.racecar‑engineering.com. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  24. ↑ "New LMDh prototype car will compete for victory at Le Mans and Daytona". Motor Sport Magazine. 2020-01-24. Retrieved 2020-08-26.
  25. 1 2 "Xtrac appointed gearbox supplier for New Hybrid sports car endurance racing". Newbury Weekly News Business Today section. 8 October 2020.
  26. ↑ "Williams Advanced Engineering (Wae) Appointed as Exclusive Battery System Supplier for the LMDH Regulations". 18 September 2020.
  27. ↑ "Le Mans Daytona hybrid system". Bosch Motorsport. Retrieved 2023-04-01. Bosch Motorsport is ... the supplier of the unified hybrid system.
  28. ↑ Pruett, Marshall (27 January 2022). "IMSA to salute its history by rebranding LMDh as GTP". Racer magazine . Retrieved 28 January 2022.
  29. ↑ Marshall Pruett (26 January 2021). "Acura confirms LMDh program". Racer.
  30. ↑ Richard S. James (13 November 2021). "BMW confirms move to LMDh with BMW Team RLL". Sportscar365.
  31. ↑ Daniel Lloyd (24 August 2021). "Cadillac Announces LMDh Program with AXR, Ganassi". Sportscar365.
  32. ↑ Gary Watkins (15 December 2020). "Porsche LMDh prototype set for Le Mans, WEC, IMSA in 2023". Motorsport.com.
  33. ↑ "24 Hours of Le Mans – Alpine to compete in Hypercar starting in 2024".
  34. ↑ "Alpine tease Le Mans unveiling of 2024 Hypercar".
  35. ↑ "Alpine unveils its 2024 LMDh challenger for WEC". www.motorsport.com. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  36. ↑ "A424_Β ALPINE HYPERCAR FOR 2024".
  37. ↑ "Lamborghini announces development of its LMDh hybrid sports car prototype racing program". www.lamborghini.com. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  38. ↑ "Ligier To Provide Chassis For 2024 Lamborghini LMDh | dailysportscar.com". www.dailysportscar.com. Retrieved 2022-06-07.
  39. ↑ Kilbey, Stephen (September 12, 2024). "Genesis To Enter Endurance Racing's Top Class With LMDh Programme". Dailysportscar.com.
  40. ↑ Kilbey, Stephen (4 December 2024). "Genesis Launches GMR-001 Hypercar Programme In Dubai". Dailysportscar. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.