The World Motorsport Council, meeting in Manila, has published the first official details of what are described as ‘ongoing discussions’ on the 2020 Technical Regulations for the ‘highest category of FIA WEC’ ahead of further details to be released at the ACO Press conference during the week of the Le Mans 24 hours.

The details thus far released are:

A targeted budget of one-quarter of current LMP1 budgets, and freedom of design for brands based on a ‘Hypercar’ concept.

The announcement in the WMSC bulletin is a surprise only in that the concept as described above is not referred to as being ‘approved’ but merely, at this stage ‘under discussion.

DSC believes that the wider proposals currently also include, as previously written about on these pages, a restriction to a single hybrid system, likely driving through the front wheels, with a proposed 5Mj max.

Also likely is a proposal that manufacturer power units (engine plus hybrid system) must be available to non-factory entrants.

Cost reduction is set to be maintained in no small part via sweeping restrictions in the areas where aero development is permitted, in particular on the underside of the new cars.

The LMP1 moniker looks set to be abandoned though the new name for the premier class is not yet clear.

Several sources are also suggesting that an outline brief may be provided next week on a 2024 set of regulations which look set to accommodate zero emission technology including hydrogen fuel, provision of which is accommodated in the outline plans revealed for the new pits and grandstand complex now approved for completion by 2023.

The WMSC has though approved a plan to encourage the participation of female drivers in the FIA WEC, details of which are also expected to be revealed next week.