[MulsanneMike]

Last month we had a pre-view of the draft regulations:

11.1.02>>2004 rules brief preview. Sources give Mulsanne's a bit of added insight into the changes for '04. Flat bottoms are out as has been previously reported. In their place will be a spec. tunnel/diffuser which begins ahead of the rear axle centerline and is optimised for yaw condition safety through floor leading edge treatment. An additional change will be a move away from the "formula" style front fenders. Open top cars will be mandated to provide dual protection for driver and the theoretical occupant, and that will more than likely push many manufacturers field closed top cars instead. The ACO will also have increased crash standards for the roll over hoop as well as mandating testing on the steering column.

11.15.02>>More insight into 2004 ACO/FIA chassis regulations. Word comes that the definitive underbody aerodynamics regulations will include a mandatory 20 mm plank bolted to the bottom of the car. It appears that the Technical Working Group has been back and forth on this issue, the main bone of contention being the difficulty of maintaining the planks specification over endurance length events. Imagine the horror of the public when it is announced that the 2004 Le Mans 24 Hours winner has been disqualified over an out-of-spec plank! Starting to look like shades of Formula One. Perhaps the FIA's involvement hasn't been a good thing?

11.22.02>>A bit of clarification regarding the 20 mm plank comes our way. Apparently, according to the Sporting Regulations (different than the Technical Regulations), the plank will not be inspected post-race to insure that it has maintained its dimensional specification. The only requirement will be that a legal plank be fitted prior to the start of each official practice, qualifying, and race meeting.



Though it would seem even the draft regulations will have their changes, namely word comes out that LMP675 will not become LMP750 as proposed for the '04 rules. So this begins to cast doubt on how accurate the draft regulations are. Though I think the major areas of contention; underfloor, driver and occupant protection for open-top cars, increased crash testing standards, etc., will remain in stone.