Peugeot tech chief calls for low-cost non-hybrid LMP1s

The French manufacturer has not been involved in sportscar racing since withdrawing from LMP1 on the eve of the 2012 season, the first year that hybrid energy recovery systems were introduced to the rulebook.

Peugeot has repeatedly stated that the cost of competition in WEC is currently too high to consider a comeback, especially as it has recently invested heavily in its cross-country rally programme centred around success in the Dakar Rally.

In an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com, Famin argues that WEC organisers need to consider alternative ways to promote efficiency that don’t involve costly hybrid systems.

He suggests a dramatic lowering of the minimum weight that currently stands at 875kg as one means to achieve this.

“WEC is not sustainable, even if the spirit of the rules is good,” said Famin, just prior to Audi's announcement of its withdrawal from LMP1.

“There are three major manufacturers who want to show off their innovation and the technology they have developed, but the costs are so high no one else will join them in those conditions.

“I would like to propose a different way of achieving efficiency, namely minimum weight reduction. If you want to reduce emissions and fuel consumption, there are ways of doing it without using hybrid systems.

“The FIA, the ACO and other manufacturers need to discuss it. They will have to lay the foundation for regulations that allow other brands to be able to win with a smaller budget.

“Remember in 2008 in America, the Penske team ran with a 780kg LMP2 car, the Porsche RS Spyder.

"Today we need to think about doing something similar.”

Global schedule costs

Famin also highlighted the need to not only cut the cost of car development in WEC, but also of racing worldwide to provide a better return on investment for manufacturers.

“Not only should we work to reduce the cost of designing the car, we should also work to reduce that of a season based around the Le Mans 24 Hours,” he said.

“It's a fantastic event, no question, but it only lasts a week, while the rest of the championship provides a return that is good but not exceptional.”

Interview by Franco Nugnes