THE UPDATED BOP FOR THE 6 HOURS OF FUJI

The new Balance of Performance (BoP) parameters for this weekend's 6 Hours of Fuji have been released. After a controversial drive-through penalty that cost Toyota the win in Austin, the Japanese team arrives at their home race with further weight increases and a reduction in power. The GR010 will gain 5 kg, bringing the total to 1,070 kg, while power will drop to 493 kW. However, there will be a slight improvement in performance above 250 km/h.

The gap with Ferrari widens further: the 499P will remain at 1,055 kg and 500 kW of power, but will experience a 0.6% reduction in top-end speed above 250 km/h. This situation could reignite debates, such as those sparked by Mario Donnini before Le Mans about alleged favoritism.

Porsche, another title contender, benefits from a 4 kg reduction in weight, dropping to 1,049 kg, with a power increase from 509 kW to 512 kW. However, the boost above 250 km/h will be minimal, reduced to 0.2%.

Among the other teams, Peugeot will see a significant weight reduction of 7 kg, hitting the minimum weight of 1,030 kg, with a power increase to 513 kW (+4). Lamborghini will keep its parameters unchanged, while BMW, at 1,037 kg, will see a slight power increase to 515 kW. Minor changes also apply to Alpine (+1 kg and +3 kW) and Cadillac (-1 kg and +2 kW).

Considering the 2024 season performances and last year's race at Fuji, Porsche might recover the ground lost in Austin. Last year, the #6 crew led for over four hours, eventually finishing third. With improvements to the 963 and the favorable layout of the Japanese track for the German LMDh, the #6 car, driven by Estre, Lotterer, and Vanthoor, is among the top contenders for the win.

Toyota remains a strong competitor despite the added weight and power cuts, while Ferrari could perform well in qualifying but may face difficulties during the race. Tire degradation will be critical, and the second sector of the Fuji track could be challenging for the 499P, particularly in double stints. Alpine is expected to deliver another solid performance, while it's unlikely BMW will replicate the strong showing seen in Austin.

© Simone Marchetti