Le Mans in 2023

In 10 years’ time, the world’s greatest endurance race will celebrate its centenary edition. What sort of grid can we look forward to in 2023? We put the question to a number of Le Mans personalities.

Can you imagine magnetic levitation prototypes through the Porsche Curves? Or solar-powered GT cars having to settle for a slow top-speed down the Mulsanne Straight in the hours of darkness? None of the people we quizzed at the circuit mentioned either of these solutions…

We started by speaking to the ACO’s president, Pierre Fillon: “Good question. I think we will see a mix of GT cars and prototypes, of course, because that’s a Le Mans tradition we don’t want to lose. I also believe we will see some advanced technology as the engineers use their skill and foresight to extract the most from the 2014 regulations which have been developed to encourage innovation. No doubt we will see new hybrid systems. I think the next seven or eight years will be dominated by hybrid powertrains and, in 10 years’ time, maybe we will see a fuel cell car capable of winning Le Mans…”

Allan McNish says that the future is now: “In the space of seven years, we have seen the arrival of diesel technology, then diesel/electric and petrol/electric hybrids, and there’s an electric car due next year. Things are moving faster and faster. Perhaps the race will be quieter and greener, with increasingly energy-efficient cars. We will also see a simulator-generation of drivers. Tom and I will obviously have joined Dindo in retirement! Things will change for the spectators, too. The older fans will continue to make the pilgrimage, but the youngsters will love the race and its technology, too. My son will be 18 and I’m sure he will be very interested in hybrid, electric and fuel cell technologies.”

“I just want lots of power, whether it comes from electricity or a hybrid engine; I want to be there for the first sub-three minute lap at Le Mans,” quipped Alexander Wurz.

“It will probably be very quiet,” added his Toyota team-mate Anthony Davidson. “I suppose I will be able to hear the spectators crack open their beer cans at the start! Seriously, I think we will see five or six manufacturers challenging for victory in a bid to showcase their technologies.”

The engineers took their time before answering: “Yes: hybrids, plug-in systems, fuel cells, as well as biomass gas. Respect for the environment will be a big parameter. In 2003, we were already looking at diesel engines, but we certainly weren’t thinking in terms of hybrid technology at that time at Audi,” said Audi’s Technical Director Dr Martin Mühlmeier.

Toyota Racing boss Pascal Vasselon doesn’t believe in 100% electricity: “I think endurance racing will be the last discipline where electric cars will be able to rival with other types of car. That said, I think we will see some very advanced hybrid cars, or even fuel cell vehicles.”

In a way, the ACO Sports Director Vincent Beaumesnil could influence the trend: “Globally, the classes will be what they are today, and as they were in 2003. We will have LMP1s, LMP2s, plus ‘pro’ and ‘privateer’ GT cars. We are looking for a certain stability with regard to the chassis. The 2014 regulations, which are intended to cover a period of at least three years, leave scope for real technological evolutions. Electric technologies, fuel cell hybrids will develop very quickly. The manufacturers appreciate this opportunity and some will be prepared to take risks. After all, diesel/electric hybrids were little more than an abstract concept just five years ago…”

“The ACO has a clear, intelligent vision. This event has a great past and a fine future. Races will be decided by tiny details. They will be closer, more intense and more popular than ever. High technology will not detract from the spirit of Le Mans. On the contrary,” concluded Tom ‘Mr Le Mans’ Kristensen.