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However, there is a catch: constructors have to choose what
level of recuperation they will take from the hybrid system:
2, 4, 6, or 8 megajoules per lap. This choice also determines
the amount of fuel that can be used each lap, with an upper
limit set on the volume (cc/sec) that can fow from the tank
to the motor. As expected, there are tire size, vehicle size,
weight, and other regulations which all cars competing
in LMP1-H must meet, but how they produce that power,
recuperate it, and get it back to the ground is relatively free.
As the centerpiece of the World Endurance Championship,
Le Mans is the tail that wags the dog, and every competitor
focuses its eforts on the series' most prestigious race. In
24 hours the leading car will travel nearly 3,000 miles, and
over each 8.5-mile lap it must not exceed its energy budget.
Audi, Porsche and Toyota showed
different approaches to vehicle
electrifcation as they squared off
at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
by Christopher A. Sawyer
> Contributing Editor
p Audi's victory over Porsche and Toyota was one of
preparation and conservatism, not engineering wizardry.