Hypercar rule set extended for 2029 WEC season (updated)

UPDATE: This article contains new information on the extension of the LMP2 regulations.

Following ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council this week, several regulatory changes to the FIA World Endurance Championship were announced this morning at the ACO press conference ahead of the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The main topic was the homologation cycle for cars in the current Hypercar class, which has been extended until the end of the 2029 season. Two additional development performance upgrades, otherwise known as ‘jokers’, will also be allowed for the 2028 and 2029 seasons.

Organizers say this will “ensure stability in the technical regulations as new manufacturers join the competition each year” and help them build on the formula’s success in the long term.

The so-called “two-car rule” was also confirmed. Starting from the 2025 FIA WEC season, each manufacturer represented in the Hypercar category will be required to enter at least two cars. According to the FIA and ACO, this change was introduced “to improve fairness in the sport and ensure a level playing field.”

Two car entries will be compulsory to score points in the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship, while additional cars from a given manufacturer will take part in the FIA World Cup for Hypercar teams, in which private cars currently compete.

To accommodate additional entries from manufacturers currently competing with a single car, the maximum grid size has also been increased from 37 cars this season to 40 for races outside of Le Mans.

IMSA President John Doonan noted: “As a fan of the sport, this is an incredible moment for sports car racing. This is the platinum era.

“Today is marked by two things: stability and opportunity. I hope that with today’s announcement, other manufacturers will take a closer look at the top category. We are excited to continue this great moment.”

Extended set of LMP2 adjustments

In addition to the Hypercar regulation changes, the introduction of the next-generation LMP2 ruleset has been pushed back by two years from 2026 to 2028.

This change in category direction comes after an ongoing behind-the-scenes debate between decision-makers, suppliers and teams about the future shape of the class. This is a topic explored in detail by DSC earlier this year.

“LMP2 is a key category for ACO. This is the most important category we need to protect. We have talked to all teams and have decided to extend the current generation until the end of 2027,” noted Pierre Fillon at today’s press conference. “We have had long discussions with all interested parties and will prepare for the new generation.”

The decision to delay came after the ACO asked the current ELMS and Asian Le Mans Series teams for their views on the matter. DSC believes that the overwhelming majority of teams pressured rule makers for a delay.

Key question marks remain regarding the next-generation P2 principles, including the appearance and specifications of the chassis and engine.

“The new chassis and engine have not yet been selected, but will be based on two key principles: a reduced engine and reduced weight,” ACO says.

“LMP2 is not part of the FIA WEC this season or next, but remains the leading class in the European Le Mans Series and the Asian Le Mans Series.” (DSC would like to note that the previous statement was taken verbatim.)

From conversations with senior paddock sources following the press conference, DSC understands that the previously proposed LMP2 ruleset has been set aside and rethinking of a new sheet of paper is underway. This is a solution that DSC informed in April that it was considering.

Crucially, this means that the next generation of cars from four manufacturers (Ligier, ORECA, Dallara and Multimatic) no longer have to be based on the LMDh backbone. Engine specifications have also not been determined.

While Gibson has previously been announced as the sole engine supplier until 2030 with the 4.2-litre V8, a rethink of the LMP2 regulations means this element is also in doubt.

A source told DSC that while Gibson is no longer officially confirmed as the sole supplier of LMP2 engines in the new era, the Repton-based manufacturer still has a good chance of winning the new tender.

Hydrogen pushed away

The latest noteworthy news was the further delay of the introduction of hydrogen regulations until 2028.

“The Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the International Automobile Federation and the International Motor Sports Association continue to explore hydrogen technology to achieve zero-carbon motor racing,” read a statement from the organizers.

“The prototype hydrogen class will be introduced in 2028. A joint working group is developing the regulations required to introduce this pioneering and sustainable technology to endurance racing.

“To ensure optimal sporting competitiveness, hydrogen will be stored in liquid form.”

Interestingly, this contradicts the technology MissionH24 is developing for its upcoming H24EVO prototype, which was made public earlier this week. This car is powered by hydrogen in gaseous form.

This is the second delay to the introduction of the future set of rules in the last six months – after Pierre Fillon briefed the media on the 2026-2027 delay in Bahrain last November.

At the time, Fillon cited security obstacles as the reason for his decision.