Toyota take BoP hit for COTA

This weekend’s FIA World Endurance Championship round heads to the Circuit of the Americas for the Lone Star Le Mans six-hour race, with Interlagos winners Toyota getting the fat-end of the BoP stick.

It’s four years since COTA featured in the WEC, with the 5.5km Anticlockwise circuit set for a field of 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars.

With three rounds remaining in the season, the Toyota Gazoo Racing team ideally need a win or a strong podium presence to stay in touch with Porsche for the manufacturers whilst, whilst both the #6 Porsche and #50 Ferrari hypercars remain above the highest placed #7 Toyota in the bid for the drivers crown.

COTA returns to the WEC after a four year absence

Their attempt at a sixth straight drivers and manufacturers crown will be under threat at COTA, with the GR010 machines carrying an increase in weight and decrease in power in Texas.

They’ll carry an extra 5kg in minimum weight (1060kg ) after their victory at Interlagos last time out, whilst they will also contend with a 12bhp reduction (or 9kW).

However, their straight line speed won’t be wanting, with 4.6% power increase above 250kph under the new power gain feature rules.

The leading Porsche has also been given a power reduction, with the 963’s operating with a 4bhp cut, whilst they race at 1053kg (up 2kg).

That leaves Ferrari race at a similar competitive weight the 963 machines, with the #50 499P Le Mans winner of Antonio Fuoco/Nicklas Nielsen/Miguel Molina, looking to close the 19 point gap at the top to the #6 Porsche piloted by Kevin Estre/Andre Lotterer/Laurens Vanthoor.

Ferrari will welcome a lighter weight after being whacked with a heavy load in Brazil

Ferrari struggled as the heaviest hypercar at the undulating Brazilian track with a high of fifth place running at 1060kg, but it will lose 5kg along with a 3kW power loss.

All of Peugeot, BMW, and Lamborghini will lose weight for COTA, with the SC63 Lamborghini to race as the lightest machine.

And as reported last week in AUTO ACTION, the Isotta Fraschini Tipo-6 won’t compete in America, and will also sit out the rest of the season, with its WEC future remaining unclear.

2024 Lone Star Le Mans schedule (U.S time)

Friday 30 August
12:40 – 14:10 Free Practice 1
17:10 – 18:40 Free Practice 2

Saturday 31 August
11:00 – 12:00 Free Practice 3
15:00 – 16:10 Qualifying and Hyperpole

Sunday 1 September
13:00 – 19:00 Lone Star Le Mans

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