Portimao LMP2 Test Sees 2021 Goodyear Rubber & Reduced Power Gibson Engines
The post-ELMS race test at Portimao had several potential storylines amongst the near 20 cars present.
Perhaps the most significant for the future of the sport though were the programmes being run by the cars fielded at the test by Algarve Pro Racing, with Roberto Merhi and John Falb driving, newly signed Technical Director David Leach in the hot seat.
Jota Sport (Ryan Cullen on Monday at least – pictured top) and Panis Racing (Will Stevens on Monday).
All three cars were testing the development 2020 tyres from Goodyear (who take on the full-field ‘spec’ contract for WEC and ELMS next season).
After the test this week there will be a subsequent test at Motorland Aragon. Both tests through are also examining not only the tyres, but also the cars running at the reduced power levels (down by 30kw or c.40hp) determined by the rule makers for 2021 and beyond to accommodate the incoming LMH ‘Hypercars’ in the revised top class.
Whilst there are some conclusions to be drawn from the times at the test there’s no definitive answer as yet on the final specification for the Gibson GK428 in 2021 spec.
That’s because DSC understands that the three teams were testing various iterations of solutions to achieve the power reduction with detailed analysis set to be despatched to the ACO after the test for a final decision on the 2021 specification.
Those different specifications include changes both to the hardware of the engine proper, and in the engine mapping.
With all of those health warnings against direct comparison taken heed of, the fastest time thus far in the test with an unrestricted car has come from the DragonSpeed car, Ben Hanley with a 1:29.565 (believed to be on the 2021 rubber) whilst the fastest of the restricted cars has been the #31 Panis Racing Oreca, Will Stevens with a 1:30.565 after Monday’s running plus Tuesday morning.
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