The latest meeting of the FIA World Motorsports Council has approved a number of significant changes to the technical regulation for the FIA WEC.

No Le Mans Defence for Hulkenberg?

The WMSC also approved a new version of the 2016 Formula One calendar that sees the race in Baku listed for 19 June, whilst it comes with a caveat that the “race start is to be scheduled to avoid conflict with the conclusion of the 24 Hours of Le Mans” it still looks impossible for Nico Hulkenberg to race to defend his 2015 title.

LMP Sporting and Technical Regulations

The WMSC approved the Endurance Commission’s proposal to limit the releasable power for energy recovery systems in LMP1 cars on safety grounds, to “avoid the possibility of deployment of an instantaneous total power (engine + hybrid) of over 1000hp.”

That look set to reel in the current advantage of the Porsche 919 package quite considerably for 2016, the car widely believed to be delivering a combined total well in excess of 1000hp.

Further technical regulations for LMP1 were amended regarding refuelling, bodywork, wheels, rim material, rear view mirrors and drivers’ safety equipment in the cockpit. Full details are awaited.

For LMP2, there are amendments to regulations for rear view mirror visibility, and costs of both engines and new safety equipment.

The WMSC also approved a series of updates to the sporting regulations of the FIA World Endurance Championship, including confirmation that LMP2 engine number limitations are not considered for the Prologue, and the confirmation of an 80km/h speed limit for all drivers during a red flag period.