A repeat of this year’s U-turn for Le Mans to lift the new-for-2023 WEC rule prohibiting the pre-heating of tyres before they are put on the car was under discussion, series boss Frederic Lequien revealed late last month.
But it has now been confirmed that it will remain in place with the publication of the supplementary regulations for the French enduro.
The text of the extra regulations for Le Mans, which reflect the unique nature of Le Mans and the long Circuit de la Sarthe, now reads the same as the sporting regulations for the WEC.
They state: “Any process that involves a direct or indirect attempt at modifying the temperature of a tyre (compared to the ambient temperature) is forbidden.”
No comment has been forthcoming from Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, which also runs the WEC together with the FIA.
But it confirmed that the rule is now set in stone for its big race on 15/16 June when contacted by Autosport.
The rule proved contentious from its introduction at the start of 2023.
It was then brought into focus at the pre-Le Mans WEC round at Spa in April when the absence of tyre heaters was deemed to be a contributing factor in series of accidents in cool ambient conditions over the course of the event.
Source: Autosport