“as far as I know have ever finished in the top 3 in a championship”

I wouldn’t say middling. She was equally or more impressive than many of her male peers. Probably not a future champion, but definitely front of the mid pack.

Legge and de Silvestro got 3rd place in Formula Atlantic (now Indy lights). Legge finished 2nd in IMSA GTD this season with 2 wins and 7 podiums.

First of all, we’re talking about Sauber. They weren’t picking their drivers on talent, they were picking on checkbook size. Just ask van der Garde. Everyone with knowledge of de Silvestro’s tests said she was impressive, but for Sauber they needed tens of millions of dollars to keep the team solvent. Even Sauber said…

The big question is why more girls lose interest than boys. Specifically, is it because the sport gives the impression that racing isn't for them?

“Female racers, though a small group, command very good sponsorship dollars.”

It’s my understanding the Saudi promoter requested the women in the test. Presumably as good publicity to whitewash some other things that aren’t so popular on the world stage.

The important thing is no ballast at Le Mans, the most (only?) important race on the calendar.

They are basically using a performance envelope, without active BoP. Not sure what you think they're overly restrictive on with designs.

You’re basically describing the current regulations, which got too expensive and too difficult for new manufacturers to enter.

Technically, the GTE BoP everywhere but Le Mans is automatic, rather than committee.

The aerodynamics aren't standard at all. They're performance is capped, but how you get that performance is very open. For instance, rear wing dimensions are not regulated. The only rule is that the wing can't flex.

The FIA has defined Sports Cars as both production based and bespoke racing cars at different points. For instance, in 1981 Group 5 special production and Group 6 two seater racing cars were considered Sports Cars. These regs are getting closer to that, requiring an actual second seat for a human, unlike the last…

Both engine output and efficiency regulations, far easier to achieve than currently.

That’s was the original plan, PZEV rules for 2020. Then Audi and Porsche left, and there was nobody interested in joining.

And no success ballast at Le Mans, which is all anyone cares about anyway.

1. The homologation rules are optional to give additional freedom like VVT. Pure race engines remain legal.

GM always plays it tight lipped, even when there's photo evidence like Corvette Racing reading the mid engine car at Road America.

Just look at the Ford.

Depends how well their performance caps work. Maximum downforce and lift:drag ratios, as well as engine performance caps and weight distribution limits. But that won’t stop someone spending their money on a better suspension...