ACO changes engine rules for 2009

The Automobile Club de l'Quest, which sets the rules for the 24 Hours and the series that take its name around the world, announced new engine rules for 2009 at the Silverstone Le Mans Series event.

The ACO revealed that it will cut the diameter of the engine air-restrictors for diesels by 10 percent at the same time as reducing turbo pressure.

The move is designed to restore what the ACO labeled 'sporting equity' between petrol and diesels at the same time as increasing lap times at Le Mans. It does not want LMP1 prototypes to lap under the 3:30 barrier during next year's 24 Hours, whereas this year the Peugeot 908s regularly lapped in the low 3:20s during the race.

The ACO said it would review its changes after the opening rounds of the American Le Mans Series and the LMS in Europe and tinker with the equivalence formula ahead of the 24 Hours.

ACO boss Jean-Claude Plassart said: "The regulations must allow everyone to fight with the same ammunition. At the same time we are very concerned about safety. The cars have been going faster and faster, and I must admit that I was very concerned about safety."

Henri Pescarolo, who has led the calls for the diesels to be penalised over the past three years, said: "We received two bits of excellent news today. The ACO has recognised for the first time that the equivalence was wrong. The second is that they are willing to change the rules if they do not get it right first time."

Other measures announced for next year are a smaller rear wing, designed to decrease downforce and increase drag and a ban on tyre heaters. Only one wheel gun will be allowed during pitstops, a move designed to discourage tyre changes in the name of cost reduction.

Meet the Aston Martin drivers at the Autosport stand at Silverstone this weekend.