Now, as Motorsport.com Italia reports, Honda has joined Porsche in turning up the heat on the FIA, ACO, and IMSA. They want answers on the 2030 Hypercar and GTP regulations right now. The newly appointed president of HRC US, Kelvin Fu—who recently stepped into the role by taking over from David Salters ahead of the Indianapolis race—made it crystal clear that the Japanese manufacturer needs proper guidance to lock down future budgets and build out projects. It is a massive deal, especially since their Acura LMDh program has currently been put in the garage after they pointed the finger at the costs of the Joker Evo updates.
Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach previously stated he hopes to see a detailed technical framework before Christmas 2026. Fu explained that Acura is staring down a remarkably similar timeline because designing these wild prototypes and getting internal budget sign-offs takes serious time. "It's definitely an aspect to which we pay attention," Fu told the publication regarding the path to 2030. "In terms of timelines, it takes about two years, or a little more, to develop a project ready for racing."
The big question hanging over the entire paddock is whether the 2030 formula will be an entirely blank-sheet machine or just an evolution of the current LMDh and LMH beasts. Fu pointed out that nobody knows yet. Everything depends on what the rules decide for the chassis, aero, and powertrains. Because of that lingering haze, they are forced to wait and evaluate their approach carefully.
To get the ball rolling for a 2030 assault, the timeline demands answers sooner rather than later. Fu noted that by early 2028, manufacturers must start assembling teams, securing budget allocations, and running feasibility studies to justify the enormous effort. Ultimately, any future engagement from Acura comes down to three non-negotiable criteria: can they fight for wins, does the technology push boundaries, and does it actually align with road car strategy?
Hybrid technology remains a vital bridge for road cars, keeping high-level hybrid racing central to Acura's GTP efforts and Honda's IndyCar involvement. On top of that, cost control is king. The upcoming rules aim to ban Joker Evo updates to guarantee a five-year lifespan for any investment made, ensuring manufacturers aren't bleeding cash just to stay on the grid.
