Photo: MPS Agency
The FIA World Endurance Championship has confirmed that Hypercar manufacturers will be required to field at least two cars beginning next season.
Confirmation of the move, which has been expected for some time, came in the ACO’s annual press conference on Friday ahead of this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
It comes alongside an increase in the number of full-season grid slots from 37 to 40 for next year. It’s expected that 22 slots will be reserved for Hypercar teams.
Imola, which was confirmed to remain on the calendar until 2028 on Friday, is planning to add four additional garages in order to be able to accommodate the increased grid size.
The ACO’s statement said the move to force Hypercar manufacturers to enter at least two cars is intended to “improve sporting fairness and ensure a level playing field” in view of the manufacturers’ championship.
It also clarified that any additional cars from a given manufacturer will be entered into the FIA World Cup for Hypercar Teams.
Cadillac, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini are the current manufacturers directly impacted by the new ruling as they currently only enter a single car.
While GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser has only said that Cadillac will adapt to the rules as necessary, it is understood the marque is already working towards a two-car effort with its expected 2025 partner JOTA Sport.
Aston Martin is also impacted by the two-car mandate, but confirmed on Friday that it will also step up to enter two of its new Valkyrie LMHs having previously only committed to a one-car effort.
Should all of the existing nine Hypercar manufacturers plus newcomer Aston Martin be granted grid slots, it would leave only two more spots for privateer teams.
Isotta Fraschini and its partner team Duqueine however faces a potential challenge in finding the funding required to expand to a second Tipo 6 Competizone.
