P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The World Endurance Championship’s bold plans for 2026 have divided opinion – but they could actually work
Late last month, the 2026 World Endurance Championship sporting regulations introduced the possibility of implementing a Success Handicap system in the Hypercar class, sparking mixed reactions. This system, when combined with a lighter-touch Balance of Performance and revised Homologation Parameters, could promote fair competition in endurance racing.
To prevent the 2026 season from resembling past issues, a thoughtful integration of BoP and Success Handicap is crucial. Despite initial hesitations, this combination may offer a balanced approach to ensure competitiveness among manufacturers.
Eliminating BoP altogether has been a debated topic due to its perceived impact on sporting fairness. While some teams and officials advocate for a BoP-free model, others recognize its necessity in maintaining cost control and ensuring close competition.
The resistance towards discarding BoP entirely stems from manufacturers’ reliance on this system for competitiveness and the perceived inadequacy of current Homologation Parameters. As the WEC moves towards potentially renaming and refining the BoP process for 2026, the focus remains on achieving a more accurate and effective system to level the playing field for all competitors.
