24 Hours of Le Mans

Air conditioning: recommended in 2006, mandatory in 2007

It was obvious to everybody that the 2005 Le Mans 24 Hours was run in weather
conditions that were very tough on the drivers especially those in closed, front-engined cars where temperatures in the cockpit got as high as 70ª to 80ªC.

Jacques Baroin, the ACO Medical Chief, stated: “from 40ª upwards the thermal exchange with the immediate environment becomes very difficult and the driver asphyxiates little by little. It is very important to protect the body against a sudden rise in temperature. Once the 40ª threshold has been exceeded brain capacity diminishes.”

In the light of this information Jean-Claude Plasssart, the President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, and the sports management have announced a change to article 14.6 of the regulations providing for the installation of a cooling system in every closed car: it is highly recommended for 2006 and becomes obligatory in 2007 for closed cars in the LM GT and LM Prototype categories.

The weight of all the cars has been increased by 25 kilos to maintain equal levels of performance in each category given the amount of extra equipment required. The air restrictors will also be adapted to compensate for power loss.

These measures that have been taken in agreement with the various partners will also be applied in the terms defined above to the Le Mans 24 Hours, the American Le Mans Series (controlled by I.M.S.A) and the Le Mans Series.