2024 FIA WEC: Record Number of Hypercars & Debut of LMGT3 Class
Historic 14 Manufacturers Set to Compete Across Two Thrilling Classes in a Groundbreaking Season
The upcoming 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season is poised to break records and raise the bar in global motorsport. With an unprecedented line-up of 19 Hypercars and the introduction of the new LMGT3 class, featuring 18 entries, the championship is set to showcase the largest and most diverse grid in its history. A remarkable 14 manufacturers, the most in FIA WEC history, will compete across both classes, underscoring the series' growth as the premier endurance racing championship in the world.
Manufacturers like Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Isotta Fraschini, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Peugeot, Porsche, and Toyota have all confirmed their participation, each bringing their unique flair and competitive edge to the championship. This diverse lineup highlights the championship's popularity among the world's leading carmakers and promises intense on-track rivalries and top-notch racing entertainment.
The championship has also announced several high-profile drivers for the upcoming season. Robert Kubica, the freshly crowned LMP2 champion, is set to advance to the Hypercar class with an AF Corse-entered Ferrari 499P. Mick Schumacher, a recent Grand Prix racer and current Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 reserve driver, will make a switch to endurance racing with Alpine. Additionally, seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi is gearing up for a season in the LMGT3 class with BMW, adding more star power to an already stellar line-up.
Since its inception in 2021, the Hypercar class has significantly elevated the WEC, drawing in a record number of competitors for the 2024 season. Nine manufacturers, including reigning champion Toyota, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, and Porsche, will battle it out in this premier category. Alpine is stepping up from LMP2, joining the fray alongside newcomers BMW, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini.
The 2024 season will also see the WEC expand to eight rounds, adding Sao Paulo (Brazil), Doha (Qatar), and Imola (Italy) to its calendar, and marking a return to the Circuit of the Americas in Texas, USA. This expansion means that the championship will traverse five regions – Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and South America – bringing the thrill of endurance racing to a global audience.
In a significant change, the WEC will feature two classes next year: the Hypercar and the all-new LMGT3 category. The latter replaces the LMGTE class and will be based on FIA’s GT3 technical platform. This move aims to continue the focus on private teams and gentlemen drivers, a cornerstone of the championship since its inception.
The 2024 entry list reveals some fascinating details:
- Thirty-seven entries from eight nations, with Italy leading the count.
- Nineteen entries in the Hypercar class, including anticipated newcomers from Alpine, BMW, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini.
- The LMGT3 class features global marques like Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Porsche.
Noteworthy entries in the Hypercar category include a third Ferrari 499P Hypercar from AF Corse, with Robert Kubica listed to drive. Toyota Gazoo Racing aims to defend its title with two Toyota GR010 Hybrids, while Porsche Penske Motorsport continues with two Porsche 963 Hypercars. The list also includes entries from Alpine, Cadillac, Peugeot, BMW M Team WRT, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini.
The LMGT3 class, in its inaugural year, will see teams like Team WRT (BMW), McLaren with United Autosports, Akkodis ASP Team (Lexus), Iron Lynx and Iron Dames (Lamborghini) and TF Sport aligned with Corvette Racing, among others.
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President, and Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the FIA World Endurance Championship, have all expressed their excitement for the 2024 season. They highlight the championship's continuous evolution, the importance of the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes, and the series' expansion as pivotal elements in the ongoing success of the WEC.
In conclusion, the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship is shaping up to be a historic season in motorsports. With a record number of entries, the debut of the LMGT3 class, and an expanded global reach, the championship promises unparalleled racing action and excitement for fans worldwide.
