Sports car racing's premier classes face a crucial decision period for their future beyond 2029. While the current Hypercar/GTP convergence has proven highly successful, manufacturers and organizers must determine the next technological direction.

Porsche Motorsport vice president Thomas Laudenbach advocates for a single unified platform to replace the current dual LMH/LMDh regulations. He suggests creating a balanced framework incorporating the best elements of both existing rulesets while maintaining cost controls.

The current regulations are likely to be extended through 2032, with the proposed hydrogen prototype introduction delayed until 2030. This extension provides opportunities for new manufacturers to join, with at least three OEMs reportedly considering programs.

Key considerations for the future include:

• Eliminating the complexity of balancing two different sets of technical regulations
• Maintaining reasonable budget levels to ensure long-term sustainability
• Creating rules relevant to road car technology
• Carefully managing the integration of alternative technologies like hydrogen

Laudenbach cautions against:

• Returning to unrestricted spending levels similar to LMP1
• Implementing difficult-to-police cost caps
• Delaying decisions on future regulations
• Assuming the current success will continue without proper planning

The question of eFuels remains contentious. While Porsche supports eFuels alongside electrification, Laudenbach believes a non-hybrid future is unlikely, emphasizing that motorsport must align with global mobility trends rather than trying to set them.

Manufacturers need to begin discussions now to ensure a stable, attractive platform for the next generation of top-level sports car racing, with careful consideration of both technical innovation and commercial sustainability.

Related Articles

Previous Articles