The final race of the 2024 World Endurance Championship will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit, where Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche will face off in a decisive battle for the title. The latest adjustments to the Balance of Performance (BoP) have given Ferrari and Toyota a tangible advantage in terms of weight reduction and power increase, allowing them to challenge Porsche, the current leader in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ standings, more effectively.
BoP Changes for Ferrari and Toyota
Ferrari managed to reduce the minimum weight of its prototype by 2 kg, now standing at 1,053 kg, and increased power by 10 kW, reaching 510 kW (683 bhp) under 250 km/h. Despite these improvements, Ferrari shows a decrease in 'Power Gain', now at -0.9% after a 2.2% reduction.
On the other hand, Toyota has also received significant adjustments. Its GR010 HYBRID prototype has reduced its minimum weight by 5 kg, placing it at 1,065 kg. Additionally, power has increased by 6 kW, equivalent to 669 bhp under 250 km/h, and 'Power Gain' has been reduced to 4.2%, after a 1.2% cut.
Porsche Facing Pressure in Bahrain
Porsche, currently leading both championship standings, has seen its 963 LMDh’s minimum weight increase by 7 kg to 1,056 kg, though power has also increased by 2 kW, reaching 514 kW. Despite these adjustments, the team led by Laurens Vanthoor, Kevin Estre, and André Lotterer is in a favorable position, needing only four points in Bahrain to secure the drivers’ title, regardless of what their rivals do.
Toyota and Their Challenge in the Manufacturers’ Standings
The Toyota team, with drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries, is two points behind second place in the overall standings but maintains realistic chances of snatching the manufacturers’ title from Porsche. With a gap of just 10 points, a victory by either of their GR010 HYBRIDs could be enough to claim the championship, even if Penske’s Porsche finishes second with the extra point for pole position.
Other BoP Changes
The Peugeot 9X8 LMH has also received a boost from the BoP, allowing it to operate at a maximum power of 520 kW (697 bhp), remaining just 1 kg above the minimum weight. On the other hand, the Alpine A424 LMDh, which secured its first podium in the last race in Fuji, has seen a 4 kg increase in minimum weight and a 1 kW reduction in power.
On-Track Action
Track activities for the final round of the 2024 WEC in Bahrain begin this Thursday at 12:15 local time with the first 90-minute free practice session. BoP adjustments are expected to play a key role in the championship outcome, especially in Ferrari and Toyota’s attempt to close the gap Porsche has maintained throughout the season.
My interest in motorsports has been a constant in my life, a passion that has led me to work in a variety of important events in this field. Among them are the World Rally Championship, Formula E, NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Mexico and dirt track competitions.
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