Balance of performance
Balance of Performance , BoP or BOP for short, is a set of regulations in motorsport in order to bring different drives and / or vehicles to the same or at least similar performance level. In the German Touring Car Championship at the end of the 1980s, this concept was called a classless society . A BoP takes place in two- and four-wheel motorsport devices, as well as in motor racing boats and even in sim racing (simulated / virtual) races and the like. a. m. instead of.
background
In the case of racing cars based on vehicles from series production, the motorsport suitability of the vehicles can differ greatly from one another, since series vehicles are not designed exclusively with regard to their dynamic driving properties. When developing a series vehicle, requirements are also placed on comfort, the use of space in the interior, economy and production costs. These can have a counterproductive effect for use in motorsport, which can result in considerable differences in performance on the racetrack due to the base vehicle. In order to keep the racing cars close to series production and to keep development costs low, the Balance of Performance was introduced in order to level the various vehicle concepts on a level of performance.
In the case of prototypes and formula cars , a balance of performance is generally not necessary, as these vehicles are not based on the technical basis of a series vehicle and there are therefore no restrictions. In these regulations, all teams and manufacturers have the same technical requirements for the construction of this racing car. Technological imbalances can only arise if the choice of drive concept is free. This is the case, for example, with the Le Mans prototypes of the LMP1 class: Here you can choose between diesel and gasoline engines for the combustion engine, and between different megajoule classes for the electric drive. The different technologies are leveled here via the Equivalence of Technology (EoT).
In Formula 1 , the Balance of Performance does not apply, as the FIA has only advertised a defined vehicle and drive concept and all teams therefore have the same technical requirements for building the vehicle and the drive train.
Technical measures
The simplest BoP regulations that can be implemented are: minimum vehicle weight and aerodynamic regulations (smaller front / rear wing etc.) and a maximum permissible fuel tank volume. Technically, it becomes more complex with an air volume limitation, a charge pressure limitation of the turbocharger or a maximum fuel flow rate for the engine.
The best-known technical regulation is probably the use of air flow limiters - also called air restrictors - in which the cross-section of the intake tract is artificially narrowed by metal inserts and thus less air gets into the combustion chamber. This results in a reduction in performance.
In addition, however, it is also possible to limit the speed by electronic locks or to specify certain tire dimensions and, in long-distance racing, to set the number of refueling stops and / or flow restrictions when refueling and / or stipulate the maximum tank capacity.
Discussions about BoP
When determining the BoP specifications, discussions usually arise because each team feels disadvantaged, but often only wants to get one advantage for itself. The race organizers ( DMSB or umbrella associations such as ADAC , AvD or DMV ) and their technical experts (one of the most famous Charlie Whiting was probably in Formula 1) are generally well informed about the performance options of the various drive / vehicle concepts and can accordingly argue. Should an unfair division be made, a BoP specification can be changed by the race organizer at short notice.
In the meantime, test runs are even organized with all participants in a certain class so that the organizer can assess the performance of the respective vehicles - well in advance of the race day / start of the racing series. Only then will the necessary BoP regulations be implemented.
However, there were also cases in which participants withdrew from the starting field due to their view of unfair BoP requirements or did not start at all in the next year. A well-known example is Porsche, which refrained from starting its hybrid GT vehicle (911 GT3 R Hybrid) in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 2012 because the BoP regulations no longer allow the company to compete fairly seemed to be.
Web links
Explanations and details on BoP
- Video: Strietzl Stuck explains the balance of performance
- Strietzl Stuck, who himself was an active racing driver for many years, explains in the contribution by Kabeleins how the FIA brings all different cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin etc.) to one level.
- PDF file for the 24-hour tender on the Nürburgring
- VLN Balance of Performance vehicles made the same at the Nürburgring
- FIA GT1 World Championship, Balance of Performance before the season opener
Other web links to BoP
- BoP: What Oscar Pistorius has to do with Formula 1 in 2017
- Due to disputes about the Balance-of-Performance (BoP) one less Aston Martin Vantage will start in the upcoming WEC race in China
- Rowe withdraws his two AMG SLS from the start of the fifth VLN run (due to BoP)
- Withdrawal from the MRS team with the two Nissan - wg. Balance of Performance (BoP)
- No further Porsche works outings with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid at the Nürburgring - because of. Balance of Performance (BoP)
- Christopher Haase: Triumph and anger over BoP
- Balance of Performance for the ADAC GT Masters in Oschersleben 2015
- Audi Dialog: The new regulations for WEC and Le Mans promote a technological diversity that cannot be found in any other racing series.
Individual evidence
- ↑ A journey through time through DTM history. motorsport-total.com, April 30, 2014, accessed May 6, 2016 .
- ^ Christian Menath: WEC - FIA introduces Equivalence of Technology. motorsport-magazin.com, December 4, 2013, accessed on May 6, 2016 .