More cars for the next season of WEC?
Given the growing interest of manufacturers in the Hypercar category as well as GT3, the number of cars on the grid could go from 36 to 40. This decision, made by the FIA, will have to take into account the size of the pit garages at different circuits.
Ferrari, Toyota, Peugeot, Glickenhaus (maybe), Porsche, Vanwall, BMW, Isotta Fraschini, Lamborghini, and Alpine. There will be a lot of presence in the Hypercar grid of the WEC, something that hasn’t been seen in decades. With such a large number of manufacturers in the top category of endurance racing expected to be present in 2024, there won’t be much room left for GT3*.
With 11 manufacturers present in Hypercar, it seems almost certain that around twenty cars will be lined up from the start of the season. However, the regulations stipulate that there must be at least 16 spots for GT3 cars. Given the situation, the FIA and ACO could therefore increase the number of spots for the 2024 WEC season.
« We are limited by the number of garages available at certain circuits, explains Pierre Fillon, the president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. « We are working to see what can be done, but we could have 40 cars. » Currently, only 36 cars are allowed per event.
A puzzle to manage everyone’s desires
A meeting of the FIA Endurance Commission is expected to take place in the coming days to discuss the constitution of the 2024 grid. Several possibilities could be considered, including the option of allowing only one GT3 car per manufacturer, if there are many of them.
The FIA reminds that the brands present in Hypercar will be given priority to join GT3. These include Toyota, through Lexus, Porsche, Chevrolet, BMW, and Lamborghini. But other historic entities in endurance racing are knocking at the door, with Ford presenting its Mustang model at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. Aston Martin could also join the party, as the British manufacturer might revive its Valkyrie project and thus secure a place in GT3. However, this hypothesis would only be valid from 2025 and has not been truly confirmed.
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*Starting next year, the LMP2 cars will no longer compete in the WEC, only in the ELMS, even though some prototypes should still be present at Le Mans.*
