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Originally posted by gttouring
I realisr that the design theory behind Prototypes i that it has room for a passenger, but the loop hole of having a single seat witha roll hoop starting with BMW, then PANOZ, then Audi and the rest, how did this get by the rules?
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It didn't get by the rules; it was in the rules from the beginning (1995). The ACO rules for rollover structure specified either a full-width hoop, much like that mandated by IMSA WSC regulations, or they mandated a single hoop for driver protection only complying with FIA Sporting Code Appendix J, Art. 274.15.3 which specifies rollover structures and load testing for F3000 hoops.
From 1995 to the present both types have been allowed and used. The Ferraris, Courages, and Riley & Scotts used the full width, while only the WR Peugeots used the single hoop, that is until '99 when BMW decided to do so as well. The thing holding back other manufacturers from using the single hoop before that was that most teams running LMPs at Le Mans also had interest in running those cars in IMSA (Ferrari, R&S, Courage, Kremer).
Here's a cut n' paste of the rules from '97. Notice 3.7.3:
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3.7 - Rollover structures :
3.7.1 - Front and rear rollover structures are mandatory.
Rollover structures must :
a/ Be made of seamless mild steel tubes or steel alloy (diameter : 45 mm; wall : 2,5 mm);
b/ Be at least 66 cm (at the front) and 102 cm (at the rear) above the Reference Plane;
c/ Be separated longitudinally a minimum of 76 cm.
3.7.2 -Rollover structure for driver s and passenger s protection.
a/ The front rollover structure must meet the following requirements :- Be symmetrical to the longitudinal centreline of the car;
- The upper part shall comply with Art. 3.7.1.b (66 cm minimum above the flat bottom) and Art. 3.7.4 which follows;
- No part of the steering wheel, whatever its position, is allowed higher than the rollover structure.
b/ The rear rollover structure must meet the following requirements- Be symmetrical in relation to the car longitudinal centreline;
- Minimum overall width at bodywork level : 90 cm;
- A diagonal reinforcement bar starting from the top of the hoop (driver s side) and connected as a minimum to the middle point of the chassis/monocopque structure;
- Two rearward facing braces connected to the top of the hoop.
- The upper horizontal section of the rollbar (50 cm minimum in length) shall meet Art. 3.7.1.b (at least 102 cm above the flat bottom) and 3.7.4 below.
3.7.3. - Rollover structure for driver s protection only :
a/ Front rollover structure : No part of the steering wheel, whatever its position, is allowed higher than the rollover structure.
b/ Front and rear rollover structure : they must comply with :- The above Art. 3.7.1 (b and c);
- The specifications of International Sporting Code - Appendix J - Art. 274.15.3 (Formula 3000) with W ( stands for weight) = 1000 kg.
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