[gwyllion]

The new version of the regulations can be found on http://private.fia.com/web/fia-publi...8.09.2012).pdf. The list of changes starts on page 43.

This rule was added to the LMP2 rules, presumably to keep the costs under control:

A manufacturer who has one homologated model of LM P2 car is not allowed to present a second one for Homologation within a period of 3 years. Exception allowed if conversion from open to closed car or for the introduction of a chassis in compliance with the 2014 LMP1 regulation (see article 14.1.5.b.6).

The LMP1 hybrid rules are now as follows:

• The amount of energy used between 2 braking must not exceed 0.5 MJ.
  Braking is a deceleration of the car greater than 1g.
  Braking lasting under 1 second will not be taken into account.
  For each circuit, some braking zone will be defined by Endurance Committee before every event. The allowance and measurement of released energy will be considered for every lap between each of the defined entries of zones.
  If the STSY is connected to the front wheels, the release of energy is permitted only above 120 km/h.
• Cars must be fitted with homologated sensors which provide all necessary signals directly to the FIA data logger in order to verify the limitations mentioned above are properly fulfilled.

Does this last rule mean that the FIA expects that Audi and/or Toyota might have been cheating this year?

Article 3.4.5 (air extractors) has been extended:

These openings must enable the introduction of a rectangular template measuring 20 cm x 25 cm, positioned horizontally and symmetrically in relation to the axis of the axle.
For front and rear ;

• Seen from above : between the outer edge of the opening and the outer edge of the wing, a minimum distance of 30mm is compulsory.
• Seen from the front and from the rear: the upper part of the tyre may be visible.
• Seen from the side, no part of the bodywork around the front wheel hole may be higher than 725 mm from reference surface.
• Seen from the side
  LMP1 : no part of the bodywork around the rear wheel hole may be higher than 725 mm from reference surface forward of the rear wheel centreline.
  LMP2 : no part of the bodywork around the rear wheel hole may be higher than 725 mm from reference surface.

That last rule explicitly makes the Toyota loophole legal for LMP1, but illegal for LMP2. So the FIA has not lost its mind completely.

It should be noted that there are no performance breaks for non-hybrids (i.e. privateers) in the rules