Vanwall’s solo Hypercar, the Vandervell 680, was the second slowest of the 16 cars in the Hypercar field for the World Endurance Championship blue riband. The car’s best lap was set by Tom Dillmann, which was more than a second behind the best of the Glickenhaus 007s, the only other non-hybrid car in the Hypercar field.
Power Output Limitations
Cars in the Hypercar class are limited to a maximum power output of 520kW (697bhp) before Balance of Performance is applied. The Balance of Performance is only applicable in so-called ‘reference’ conditions of 20 degrees Celsius and 1010 millibars of atmospheric pressure. However, a source within Vanwall has suggested that its performance deficit to its Hypercar rivals was exacerbated at Le Mans by the ‘correction factor’ seen in other rounds of the WEC. The lower night-time temperatures in the 24-hour race were taken into account. When the correction factor is closer to 1, meaning that the turbo-powered cars that make up the bulk of the Hypercar field run closer to their full potential, it puts the normally-aspirated Gibson-powered Vanwall at a larger disadvantage.
Power Limitations and the Effect on Lap Time
Dillmann mentioned that the Vanwall Hypercar is lacking power, which is costing quite some lap time. He further added that they know that if it’s hot, they are limited. Therefore, during the day, it’s tough, and during the night, it’s better. The car can improve on the chassis side, but they are in a reasonable window. The car is not easy to drive, but not too bad. But when you lose power like this, it’s costing quite a bit.
Issues and Potential Performance
A sensor issue in first qualifying cost the Vanwall further performance, without which Dillmann felt it could have qualified even higher. He said the team had the potential to split the Glickenhauses, and they could have done a low 3m29s or a high 3m28s, but with the issue they had, they couldn’t.
Vanwall’s solo Hypercar, the Vandervell 680, is struggling at Le Mans. It is the second slowest of the 16 cars in the Hypercar field for the World Endurance Championship blue riband. Power limitations, which cost lap time, and a sensor issue in first qualifying have contributed to the car’s poor performance. However, Dillmann believes that the team can be cautiously optimistic of seeing the chequered flag on Sunday. They are a lot more confident about finishing because everything they learned with the old car has been applied to this car, and it has been quite solid with no significant reliability issues.
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