Porsche returns to Le Mans

During the 24 Hours of Daytona last January, we described the decision by the ACO and IMSA to have a common set of regulations as “a revolution.” Eleven months later, it is clear that endurance racing is positioning itself as a destination of choice for many manufacturers, after a few transitional years caused by the sudden departure of Audi and Porsche, amid the Dieselgate scandal.

If Peugeot confirmed in November 2019 its intention to create a hypercar, it has just confirmed that this is indeed the version that will be adopted for its return in 2022. On the other hand, Porsche has made the opposite choice because the German manufacturer wants to target both the WEC and IMSA since the American market is essential for its commercial activities. Especially, the technical architecture of the LMDh is much less expensive than the hypercar version since it will be an LMP2 chassis equipped with a hybrid engine in a body design chosen by the manufacturer to be easily identifiable, all with a balance of performance that will allow for equal lap times compared to the Hypercar.

Oliver Blume, the CEO of the company, stated: « The new LMDh category will allow us to fight for overall victory at Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring without breaking the bank. The project is extremely attractive. Endurance is part of our brand’s DNA. » With 19 overall victories at the Le Mans 24-hour race, Porsche is clearly in its element in the Sarthe.

We are still waiting for Audi’s confirmation on the strategic choice it will make for its return, but the WEC now knows it can count on many contenders for victory in the coming years. In 2021, Toyota will be joined by Alpine, which will take over and rebadge this year’s Rebellion. A year later, we should see the return of Peugeot and Audi, followed by the return of Porsche. Our information particularly indicates that other manufacturers are also in the starting blocks, including a certain constructor currently present in F1…