Aston Martin handed break in first use of GTE automatic BoP system

The two factory Aston Martin Vantage GTEs will run lighter and with more power at the Nurburgring WEC round on July 16 than in the previous six-hour event at Spa in May.

The automatic BoP, which was not applied at Le Mans, is calculated using a preset equation or algorithm into which is fed performance data of the GTE Pro cars from the WEC six-hour races.

The Astons will run at a minimum weight of 1188kg, compared with 1208kg in the first two regular distance WEC rounds, and have gained an extra 0.1 millimetre in engine air-restrictor diameter, going from 29.6mm to 29.7mm.

The minimum weight of the two Ganassi Ford GTs has gone up by 20kg, from 1253kg to 1273kg, in the BoP table published for the 'Ring. Le Mans is not part of the automatic BoP courtesy of the unique demands of the eight-mile circuit.

The Astons will run five kilogrammes lighter in Germany than they did at Le Mans and with a one millimetre small air-restrictor.

The Ferrari 488 GTE and the Porsche 911 RSR will race with the same BoP as at Spa and Silverstone.

The automatic system was devised by the rule makers, the FIA and WEC promoter the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, and the manufacturers to make the BoP more objective and transparent.

The BoP can change on a race-by-race basis, but it was decided to wait until after the first two six-hour events before before instigating the first wave of amendments.