Porsche seeks clarification on Toyota LMP1 aero

Porsche LMP1 Team has confirmed to RACER that it has requested clarification from the FIA and ACO that the aerodynamics of the 2017 Toyota TS050 Hybrid LMP1 car meets both with the letter, and the spirit, of the technical regulations of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

With the LMP1 regulations for 2017 allowing only two separate bodywork solutions (down from three in 2016), the factory teams have had to compromise further on the solutions they have available for the very disparate mix of circuits across the nine race FIA WEC.

Porsche's enquiry is understood to be focused on the rear end of the 2017 TS050, in particular how air is managed through the rear diffuser.

Neither Porsche, nor Toyota though were willing to discuss in detail the specifics of the request for clarification to RACER. Fritz Enzinger, vice president of the LMP1 program at Porsche, would only confirm that the team had sent a request to the FIA and ACO for clarification.

A Toyota spokesman explained to RACER that the team is confident that its car complies with the current rule set.

"As far as we are concerned the 2017 Toyota TS050 Hybrid has been inspected, homologated and inspected again ahead of competition," he said. "This seems to be a matter between Porsche and the ACO. We are entirely happy that the car complies in full with the regulations."

The rapid development curve of the current iteration of LMP1 Hybrids has seen a number of controversies around bodywork solutions in recent seasons. Porsche has previously been forced to deny accusations of using easily deformable rear bodywork as an effective moveable aero device, while Toyota too has faced coverage showing its rear wings changing the aspect at high speed.

Toyota's 2012 TS030 also raised concerns in the WEC paddock, with an aero solution around the rear exploiting a rules loophole around rear wheel covers that allowed the team to effectively deploy a wider rear wing area. In that instance Audi chose not to protest but instead presented a similar treatment the following year.