LMP2: How can the teams differentiate themselves despite having the same car?

Significant differences in terms of performance and times. Yet, all the cars are identical. Oreca supplies the chassis for all the LMP2s and Gibson provides the same V8 engine to everyone. So, how can teams make a difference in a category where all the prototypes look alike?

To perform, adjustments need to be made and the three drivers must be satisfied. But in this category, it’s not always simple. We are imposed with minimum values to respect on certain aspects and maximums on others. We are quite restricted. Still, we can choose the settings for the springs, torsion bars, anti-roll bars, and dampers. We work with what is possible, explains Julien Briot, the technical director of IDEC Sport.

But with all these restrictions, how to tell the difference? Not really in terms of aerodynamics since that is also very regulated. All the cars run with a strip on the rear wing. The one on the engine hood is not mandatory. But at Le Mans, for top speed, no one uses it.

A parameter, however, can make a difference: the distribution of weight. Teams can carry ballast that can be positioned in four different locations: under the gearbox; between the engine and the chassis; in the cockpit, next to the driver, or at the front of the shell. The placement significantly influences the behavior of the car, notes Briot.

Despite the few possible settings, how can you explain differences that can approach five seconds on a track like Le Mans? It’s the combination of things that makes it… Everything must work in harmony. We must make the best use of everything to extract maximum performance from the tires, while ensuring longevity, which is an important aspect of endurance.

Electronics, another aspect that could make a difference. But not in LMP2: everyone is once again in the same boat. On the steering wheel screen, there are still some liberties: each team can choose the data to display. « We have a base, but depending on the driver, we change. Some will choose the temperatures, as they can drive by managing this parameter », reveals Julien Briot.

The experience of the drivers can be of great help. IDEC Sport, for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, can count on a significant figure: André Lotterer. The German will participate for the fifteenth time in the double clock race. Despite it being his first experience in LMP2, he can provide direction. He knows how to handle a car that can be difficult to drive. The experienced driver will work to ensure that the gentleman driver is comfortable, explains the team’s technical director.

To refine all these aspects, the team uses its simulator. We are lucky to have one. The drivers use it to learn the tracks and prepare for upcoming events. Much like all the major structures.

Compromises. In this championship, they are necessary. No driver has the same build. At IDEC Sport, Jamie Chadwick and André Lotterer are nearly 30 centimeters apart in height. An important factor for the position of the pedals and steering wheel. « It’s fixed. The seat insert is used for adjustments. Generally, the largest build serves as the base, and the seat inserts of the other drivers are placed inside. It’s a time saver. Even though the driver change is included in the refueling, it’s one person not occupied with this task and who can do something else. », explains Briot, discussing practical adjustments for different body types.

Longevity and reliability. These are two crucial aspects, even for a chassis. Throughout the year, Oreca stays in contact with the teams to get feedback for improving certain points. Even though these 100% carbon/kevlar parts are quite old, the structure based in the south of France values this constructive feedback. Although the manufacturer is more focused on the next chassis than the current one, it can provide directions.

Unlike Formula 1, where multiple chassis are used by the same driver in a season, in LMP2, a part can last a very long time. « On the #18, it has been three years. At the end of the year, it is disassembled, inspected, and sent to Oreca for a revision and if it’s in good condition, it’s ready for another season. »

Electronics, mechanics, cables almost everywhere. In case of a problem, the driver can contact the team and the pit lane via radio. But if the radio fails, as happened in 2021 with the Richard Mille Racing Team, what can be done? « We try to cover all issues. Fortunately, that one is very rare. We’ve installed a phone so the driver can contact us or we can call them. »

The main characteristics

– Oreca 07
– 930 kilograms
– Naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine.
– Homologated for the LMP2 championship since 2017.
– 100% of the LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are equipped with this chassis.