WEC introduces ballast system to compensate for driver weight

The World Endurance Championship has launched a brand new system designed to cut back the benefit of lighter drivers within the collection. 

What is called compensation ballast shall be utilized to vehicles throughout the Hypercar and LMGT3 courses from this week’s 2025 season-opener in Qatar.

Its introduction, which has been underneath dialogue since final 12 months, follows criticism that the efficiency benefit loved by lighter drivers was not mitigated in any manner. 

A so-called reference weight of 82kg has been set underneath the brand new guidelines, which diverge barely for qualifying and the race. 

In qualifying, each the opening session and Hyperpole, a driver weighing underneath stated determine in full racewear, with the HANS machine and seat insert included, should carry ballast.

For the race, a mean weight for the driving crew, each three and two driver line-ups, shall be calculated and if underneath 82kg, ballast must be carried contained in the automobile in a delegated place.

It successfully reintroduces a rule in place within the LMP1 class from 2015 when there was a reference weight of 80kg. The transfer has been welcomed throughout the WEC paddock within the Hypercar class.

Ferrari driver James Calado, who revealed final 12 months that he had been hospitalised in his efforts to shed some pounds, informed Autosport: “That is undoubtedly the suitable factor to do – it’s only proper {that a} world championship has a rule like this. 

“If you’re freely giving 15-20kg or much more, that’s a number of lap time. It means a heavier driver like me can have the possibility to qualify the automobile, which wasn’t actually the case earlier than.”

Marco Sorensen, who has progressed to the Hypercar ranks with Aston Martin for 2025, expressed an analogous view. 

“It undoubtedly ranges the enjoying subject, which must be factor,” he stated. “We’ve seen previously that the drivers chosen to qualify have been those who’re on the small facet. This must be appropriate for a high-profile championship.”

Sebastien Bourdais, who has joined the WEC full time with Jota-Cadillac this 12 months, was additionally supportive. However he identified that heavier drivers in a line-up will nonetheless be deprived underneath the brand new rule. 

#38 Cadillac Hertz Crew Jota Cadillac V-Sequence.R: Earl Bamber, Sebastien Bourdais, Jenson Button

Picture by: JEP / Motorsport Photographs

“The rule is completely legit for qualifying, however the heavier guys are nonetheless going to be giving one thing away to the lightest man within the crew through the races,” he defined. 

“That’s a tough drawback to resolve in endurance racing, however this can be a step in the suitable course.”

The FIA and the Car Membership de l’Ouest, which collectively write the principles for the WEC, have additionally revealed the brand new success handicap system in LMGT3, which replaces the earlier success ballast launched in GTE Am in 2019.

Somewhat than 15, 10 and 5kg being utilized to the highest three finishers at school, a share discount in lap time shall be utilized to the automobile’s Stability of Efficiency with revisions to a automobile’s minimal weight and/or most energy on the discretion of the FIA and ACO. 

The discount shall be 0.24% for a win, 0.16% for a runner-up end and 0.08% for third.