New heights for World Endurance Championship

The Golden era of the World Endurance Championship is here with many new manufacturers and new regulations for 2024.

NEW REGULATIONS

IN 2023 we go from three classes to two. Such has been the success of the top-tier Hypercar class, with 19 full-time entries this year and 18 in the revamped GT category, there is no longer a need for the second tier LMP2 category.

2024 sees the introduction of GT3 cars to the World Endurance Championship, replacing the LMGTE machines.

Moving to GT3 machinery has already seen increased brand involvement within the category. In fact, due to popularity, each brand has been limited to a maximum of two cars.

NEW MANUFACTURERS

THE HYPERCAR class will see not one, but four, yes, four new brands enter the championship this season.

The opening round in Qatar will see the worldwide race debut of the Alpine A424. Alpine has entered a Hypercar previously (albeit fielding a modified LMP1 machine), but this is the brand’s first attempt with a purpose-built Hypercar.

Alpine is ready to take on the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The Alpine A424 will be powered by a hybrid 3.4L V6 turbo – the two cars contain very reliable Sports Car aces and ex-F1 driver Mick Schumacher.

Another addition to the Hypercar category is Lamborghini. The iconic Italian brand will field a single SC63, powered by a 3.8L V8 Turbo hybrid.

This car could have debuted in the Daytona 24 Hours, although the Italian brand elected to delay it until the car was reliable and fast. 

The driver line-up is very strong – Italian Sportscar aces Mirko Bortolotti and Edwardo Mortara will race with ex-Red Bull Racing driver Daniil Kvyat.

One privateer outfit, Vanwall, departs WEC, but in its place steps another – Isotta Fraschini. The Italian Team will field one Tipo 6-C which has been fitted with a 3L V6 Turbo hybrid. It will be fascinating to see how this little team competes against the might of the manufacturers.

Toyota is forming to be the team to beat.

The final new manufacturer to WEC is BMW. The brand has been racing in IMSA for 12 months, however the Qatar event will be the first time that the machines have been raced in Europe.

As well as new manufacturers, Ferrari will run a customer car in 2024 and Porsche customer team Jota will also take on a second entry.

In other notable news, the Peugeot 9X8s will be fitted with a rear wing … but not until at least Round 2.

GT3 CARS AND BRANDS

LAST YEAR in LMGTE AM there were just four manufacturers; in the new era we kick off with nine, each with two cars.

Hypercar manufacturers also competing in the GT3 class are as follows: Ferrari with its 296, BMW with the M4, Lamborghini and the Huracan, Porsche with the 911 and Toyota (in the form of Lexus).

Additionally, there will be Aston Martin Vantages, Chevrolet Corvettes, Ford Mustangs and McLaren 720s.

LOCALS TO FOLLOW

Matt Campbell racing into the Daytona night. Photo by Jake Galstad / LAT Images

IN 2024 there will two Aussies to follow – one in the Hypercar class, driving a Roger Penske-prepared Porsche 963.

Hot on the heels of his Daytona 24 Hours and Bathurst 12 Hours wins, Matt Campbell returns to Europe, where he will compete at the top level for the first time.

The other Aussie will make his WEC debut – two-time GT World Challenge Australia champion Yasser Shahin will compete for the Manthey Porsche GT3 team.

Kiwis Brendon Hartley and Earl Bamber remain with the Toyota and Cadilac Hypercar programs respectively.

FAVOURITES

IN THE Hypercar class it is hard to look past Toyota as the clear favourites. The Japanese brand has many more years experience with the regulations and last year won all but one race – Le Mans. There is no doubt however that in 2024 the competition will be closer. 

Ferrari were the closest challengers last year, but must rectify a lack of cold-tyre pace if it wants to fight for more wins this year. Circuits such as Spa and Imola before the European summer begins will be a true test for the Italian manufacturer.

If IMSA’s Daytona 24 Hours is anything to go by, Porsche has made a big gain in the off-season and will be looking to at least challenge Ferrari week in, week out. Look for the customer teams of Jota and Proton Competition to spring a few surprises as they did late last year.

As previously stated, at some stage Peugeot will enter with a revised concept – the rear wing should help the French manufacturer become more competitive on bumpy circuits.

Cadilac was strong in 2023 but found themselves in too many incidents – BMW has shown pace in IMSA and should be close to Cadilac.

As for Alpine, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini, they are the jokers in the pack.

In terms of the GT3 class, it is going to be track-dependant. Different circuits will suit the characteristics of different machines, and that is why we love GT3 competition … anyone can win on their day! 

Main photo by Alexander Trienitz / LAT Images

2024 World Endurance Championship Calendar

March 3 – Qatar

April 4 – Imola

May 11 – Spa-Francorchamps

June 15-16 – 24 Hours of Le Mans

July 14 – Sao Paulo

Sept. 1 – Austin, Texas

Sept. 15 – Fuji

Nov. 2 – Bahrain

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