WEC HYPERCAR RULES CONFIRMED

WEC Hypercar rules confirmed – Photo: Aston Martin

On the eve of the Le Mans 24 Hour, FIA World Endurance Championship organisers have confirmed the Hypercar regulations for the top tier of WEC competition for the 2020/21 season.

As indicated 12 months ago, the top class will be opened up to both specialised prototypes as well as race cars derived from road-going hypercars, although the LMP1 replacement has yet to be officially named.

Both Toyota and Aston Martin immediately confirmed their entries in the top tier class for the 2020/21 FIA World Endurance Championship.

British manufacturer, Aston Martin announced they would field a minimum of two works Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercars, specially-developed for the 2020/21 FIA WEC season, including the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“We have always said that we would one day bring Aston Martin back to Le Mans with the intention of going for the outright win when the time was right – now is that time.” said Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO.

“David Brown came here in 1959, with a car and a team of drivers capable of winning. We intend to do the same in 2021.”

“The Aston Martin Valkyrie is primed for such a challenge and sits perfectly within the ACO’s new ‘hypercar’ rule framework. Bringing to bear all of our previous experience and knowledge of competing at the top levels of motorsport, we embark on this most ambitious project with the necessary ingredients for success.”

“What could be more evocative than the wail of an Aston Martin V12 leading the charge into the night on the Mulsanne straight?”

While Toyota’s involvement will continue with a hybrid-powered prototype based on the GR Super Sport road car currently under development in Japan.

“I am pleased to confirm that TOYOTA GAZOO Racing will continue its challenge in endurance racing beyond the current regulations.” said Shigeki Tomoyama, GAZOO Racing Company President.

“Thank you to the ACO and FIA for their hard work in finalising these regulations, which we hope will bring about a new golden age of endurance racing, with several manufacturers fighting for Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship.”

“For TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, this new era of competition is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our credentials not only as a race team against some of the best in the business, but also as a sportscar manufacturer.”

“I am sure I join fans and competitors in welcoming the new regulations and looking forward to an exciting era of competition in WEC and at Le Mans.”

The 2018/19 World Endurance Championship concludes this weekend with the Le Mans 24 Hour, while the 2019/20 season which will be the last of the current regulations will commence at Silverstone in September.

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