The Steadiness of Efficiency (BoP) for the DTM season opener at Spielberg was solely communicated to groups on Wednesday night, considerably later than the same old one-week lead time, underlining the size of the problem confronted this yr.
The late arrival comes as no shock given the complexity of the method. A key issue is the brand new unique DTM tyre from Pirelli, launched this season and finalised comparatively late, which has altered the aggressive order. Consequently, information from different racing collection has provided restricted steering for BoP supplier SRO Motorsports Group.
Additional complicating issues, a deliberate qualifying simulation through the official DTM take a look at in Spielberg, supposed to generate essential reference information with new tyres and glued gas masses, was cancelled as a consequence of rain, leaving a major hole within the information set.
Producers requested to supply extra information
In response, BoP officers requested “run sheets” from producers for the primary time, detailing set-up adjustments, lap instances and take a look at programmes from the Spielberg take a look at. Nonetheless, the accuracy of such information stays open to query given the inherent aggressive pursuits in securing a beneficial BoP.
The duty was made much more complicated by adjustments to the grid. The arrival of the brand new Lamborghini Temerario GT3 introduces an unknown variable, whereas up to date Evo variations from Porsche, Ferrari and Ford additionally shift the baseline in comparison with final season. As well as, the BMW now includes a revised turbo configuration, requiring a contemporary evaluation.
Spielberg stays a novel BoP problem
The traits of the Purple Bull Ring additional add to the problem. Located at practically 700 metres above sea stage, the circuit has traditionally posed challenges for BoP calculations.
Naturally-aspirated engines lose 15hp to 20hp in comparison with turbocharged automobiles relative to lower-altitude circuits, requiring fixed monitoring of ambient strain and corresponding turbo changes. With temperature anticipated to vary from 5C to 24C over the race weekend, this fluctuation may also play a job, as turbo engines are inclined to carry out higher in cooler situations.
With solely eight vital corners and several other lengthy straights, any imbalance in engine efficiency is amplified at Spielberg.
Mercedes may gain advantage from the situations
Among the many baseline classifications, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 retains its 36mm restrictor and beneficial lambda worth of 0.91, together with a comparatively low weight of 1,325kg.
The brand new DTM tyre is anticipated to swimsuit the automotive higher, because it reaches working temperature extra shortly than its predecessor – an space the place the Mercedes struggled at Spielberg final yr. The comparatively delicate temperature forecast may additionally play in its favour.
The McLaren 720S GT3 Evo, which set the tempo in testing with Ben Dorr, stays unchanged and successfully serves because the reference level. In the meantime, the up to date Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo retains its 41.5mm restrictor, matching the specification utilized by its predecessor.
Automobile
Minimal Weight
Restrictor / Enhance
Adjustment
Minimal Journey Peak (F/R/GC)
Rear Wing Angle
Lambda
Aston Martin
1,330 kg
1.37 – 1.98 bar
+0.0 to +0.2 bar
53 / 53 / 50 mm
6°
0.91
Ferrari
1,335 kg
1.0 – 2.46 bar
+0.0 to +0.06 bar
80 / 83 / 50 mm
3°
0.90
Ford
1,320 kg
2 × 35 mm
-15 kg / -1 mm
84 / 92 / 40 mm
8°
0.88
Lamborghini
1,335 kg
1.2 – 1.7 bar
+0.0 to +0.12 bar
65 / 70 / 50 mm (-15 / -15 / 0 mm)
5°
0.90
McLaren
1,310 kg
1.1 – 1.79 bar
—
65 / 70 / 50 mm
6°
0.88
Mercedes
1,325 kg
2 × 36 mm
—
81 / 87 / 40 mm
6°
0.91
Porsche
1,310 kg
2 × 41.5 mm
—
101 / 120 / 50 mm
7°
0.89
BMW
1,340 kg
1.0 – 2.39 bar
-0.06 to +0.06 bar
82.5 / 81.5 / 50 mm
4°
0.90
Changes aimed toward boosting Lamborghini and BMW
Efforts to deliver the Lamborghini Temerario GT3 up to the mark are evident within the BoP changes. In comparison with the take a look at, the automotive has obtained as much as 0.12bar extra enhance strain at low revs, together with will increase within the mid-to-high vary. Additionally it is permitted to run 0.15mm decrease at each entrance and rear, bettering aerodynamic efficiency in corners.
The BMW M4 GT3 Evo, now outfitted with a production-derived turbo, sees a rise in enhance strain of as much as 0.06bar within the mid-range, addressing points encountered throughout testing the place tyre graining contributed to a scarcity of tempo.
Related measures have been utilized to different turbocharged automobiles. The Ferrari 296 GT3 receives a 0.03bar to 0.06bar enhance throughout a lot of the rev vary, whereas the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 good points a major 0.2bar enhance at low revs.
Particular provisions for Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang GT3 advantages from a particular exemption concerning floor clearance. Whereas rules mandate a minimal of 50mm for automobiles homologated from 2022 onwards, the Mustang is allowed to run at 40mm, producing extra downforce with out relying solely on engine efficiency.
On the identical time, its restrictor has been lowered by 1mm to 35mm, in comparison with 38mm final yr, balancing its straightline potential on a circuit the place it’s historically sturdy.
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