P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WEC’s tyre warmer ban may be lifted at Le Mans again in 2024
WEC boss Frederic Lequien has stated that the ban on pre-heating tyres in the pits is being reviewed for safety reasons for the double-points round in June. The initial ban, introduced for environmental reasons, was reversed for the Le Mans race this year after accidents occurred at the Spa round in April. The decision for Le Mans has not yet been made and further discussions are needed. Lequien highlighted the specific nature of Le Mans, with temperature differentials and multiple categories, as factors that may allow tyre warmers in that race. However, there are no plans to reintroduce tyre warmers for other rounds of the championship. For the rest of the season, tyre warmers will be removed, according to Lequien. The sporting regulations for the 2024 WEC have already been published, prohibiting the use of thermal or heat retention devices. The 24 Hours of Le Mans has its own set of supplementary regulations, which have yet to be released for 2024. The ban on pre-heating tyres has been controversial since its introduction, with drivers expressing concerns about leaving the pits on cold rubber. Accidents, such as James Calado’s crash during testing at Sebring, have been attributed to this rule change. The incidents at Spa further highlighted the dangers of cold tyres. It was announced in May that tyre warmers would be allowed for the centenary running of Le Mans.
