The Aston Vantage GTE has regained the five litres of fuel capacity in the latest round of Balance of Performance changes.
After the Aston Martins were forced to make an additional splash-and-dash fuel stop during the WEC Spa, all Vantages in GTE Pro and Am will be eligible to run 95-litre fuel tanks.
Given the scare at Spa, Aston Martin team boss John Gaw had grim predictions for the team’s chances at Le Mans 24 Hours without the increase in fuel capacity.
"This is critical. If we didn't get the five litres back we would be doing 13 laps and with it we should just be able to do 14” Gaw told AUTOSPORT:
"If we were losing a lap to the opposition every stint we would be a lap down by the finish."
The move was also backed by sporting manager at race organiser the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, Vincent Beaumesnil, who said the change was "important to make sure all the cars have the same stint length".
In addition to Aston’s apportionments, Ferrari has been given the all-clear to add a new version of its Le Mans aero packag, despite the rules freeze that covers the 2014 season.
The new package will provide more down-force with marginally more drag. The package will also be made available to the Ferrari’s 458 Italias in the Pro and Am classes.
Chevrolet's new Corvette C7.R will race at Le Mans will run 10kg lighter than it’s C6.R forerunner and will also run a 1.3mm larger air-restrictor. The C7.R runs a direct-injection engine, but has lost five litres in fuel capacity to fit in-line with the Ferrari 458 Italia. The Corvette however does not have to race with a rear wing Gurney.
Aston gets a Fuel Break
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