The two automotive producers are complaining after a set of new engine rules for the LMP1-class Le Mans prototypes have been proposed for next year’s season. These state that the V10 and V12 gasoline engines will be banned. Instead, the future racers should adopt the current LMP2 engine rules for turbocharged V8 powerplants. As for the LMP2 class, this will welcome production-based units for its cars. The changes are aimed at increasing the fuel efficiency and reducing the level of emissions and noise.
As far as diesel engines are concerned, the rules will impose stricter limitations. To be more precise, the 2011 season diesel engines will be forced to use air-restrictor diameters reduced by 10 percent, as well as lower turbo pressures. The moves have been created to set up a balance between gasoline and diesel engines at Le Mans.
The two carmakers are arguing that the changes have arrived too late and that the move isn’t fair for them.
"We produce our engines for Le Mans in March and April. If something is decided after that, we cannot react," Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich told the aforementioned source.
"If the regulations are changed after three races, everything that happens before could be fake," Peugeot Sport technical director Bruno Famin was quoted as saying by autosport.
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