[WEC] LMP1 Cost Control Suggestions

[gregtummer]

With only 5 full season WEC LMP1s, it is time for suggestions on cost control.

So how do we keep the costs under control while allowing technology and innovation that satisfies both factories and privateers?

Here's my ideas using the 2013 rules as an example:

#1 LMP1 factories ~$50 million spending limit (F1 said they can figure out the accounting on multinational teams, so WEC could too)

#2 Privateer LMP1s ~$15 million spending limit (I guess it costs Muscle Milk $7.5 million a year to run the HPD with one car, so travel may go a little over $15 million for 2 cars traveling all over the world)

#3 LMP1 factories run at 900kgs

#4 Privateer LMP1s run at 800kgs

#5 Make it so teams don't have to upgrade cars every year
Year old factory cars run 875 kgs, privateers run 775kgs
Two year old factory cars run 850kgs, privateers run 750kgs (drop 25kgs for each year old the car is to remain competitive)

Obviously all of these numbers aren't set in stone and they can be adjusted a bit but these are just guidelines.

But what this does, is it has some cost control so a factory like Audi doesn't blow everyone out of the water and scare everyone off, but it also leaves room for innovation.

It also sets cost cap limits so a private team like Rebellion doesn't blow the privateers out of the water if they choose to do so.

It also makes it so the privateers have a chance. Can Audi overcome the 100kg weight disadvantage though aero, fuel efficiency, hybrid technology, and race strategy?

It also makes it so factories and privateers don't have to upgrade their cars every year. Can the new aerodynamics from HPD offset the 25kg weight advantage and 50kg weight advantage 1 year old and 2 year old cars have?