WEC Introduces Driver Weight Compensation System for Hypercar and LMGT3 Classes
Driver compensation ballast rules have been implemented for the FIA WEC's Hypercar and LMGT3 classes starting with the 2025 season opener in Qatar. These regulations aim to level the playing field for teams with heavier or taller drivers.
Racing cars battling on track
The reference crew weight is set at 82 kg. Teams with drivers averaging below this weight must add ballast to their vehicles. The calculation method works as follows:
- Add the weights of all three drivers (including safety gear)
- Divide by three to get the average
- Round up any difference to the nearest kilogram for ballast
Example calculation:
- Driver 1: 77.8 kg
- Driver 2: 80.2 kg
- Driver 3: 82.9 kg
- Average: (77.8 + 80.2 + 82.9)/3 = 80.3 kg
- Required ballast: 2 kg (rounded up from 1.7 kg)
Key implementation details:
- Hypercar class: Ballast must be placed in homologated BOP positions within the wheelbase
- LMGT3 class: Ballast must be positioned in the cockpit's ballast box
- Random weight checks can occur up to one hour before qualifying
- Penalties apply if drivers weigh less than declared weights
- Teams are responsible for calculating and applying correct ballast
The rules include separate calculations for Qualifying in Hypercar with a "compensated minimum car weight" requirement.
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