Peugeot 9X8 tests rear wing, Ferrari keep Calado, and Isotta Fraschini push on for 2024
The final update of 2023 sees plenty of news for the coming season. OE Founder Tim Fullbrook summarises the key stories from the last week of the year.
Whilst the festive season has been in full swing, the sportscar world has continued to produce storylines - both for the short term, and for the coming year.
Whether it’s more driver news, new teams hitting the track, or some new updates to existing contenders, there’s plenty in this week’s update - so if you’ve been busy filling up on mince pies then here’s what you need to know…
Peugeot’s 9X8 Testing with REAR WING
This is probably the story of the last week. Peugeot have been spied testing at Paul Ricard with an updated 9X8 that is quite clearly carrying an evolved rear end - and yes, it looks like the rear wing has materialised.
The French marque have, for some time, discussed that 2024 would see the car develop aerodynamically, and in October the addition of a rear wing went from rumour to likelihood.
Why is this such a big deal? Well the 9X8 is the most radical LMH car we’ve seen so far, owing to it’s focus on ground-effect and the lack of a ‘traditional’ rear wing – all of which is completely legal and place the car in the same aerodynamic window as the other LMH models. At launch this was an incredible feat of design, but once out on track the performance wasn’t quite what Peugeot were hoping for.
Peugeot have told OE that a first look at the updates are coming soon…
Check out the footage here, and take a better look at the updated.
Calado signs multi-year Ferrari extension
Ferrari announced James Calado would remain a factory driver after signing a new, multiple season contract.
The British driver has been a mainstay of Ferrari entries in the World Endurance Championship, and is a three-time world champion in the GTE PRO class.
Calado’s partnership with Alessandro Pier Guidi is probably overlooked as one of the strongest pairings in modern day motorsports, and the duo have been strong in their first year together in Hypercar – most notably knocking Toyota off their 24h Le Mans throne.
In re-signing for multiple seasons at Maranello, the Brit will celebrate his tenth year with the Prancing Horse in 2024, not only an incredible feat of loyalty but a sign of both parties’ commitment.
I still feel there is more to come from Calado in the top class. Extremely fast, extremely competitive, and I think you would be hard-pressed to find a driver more physically and emotionally set on winning than the 34-year old.
Isotta Faschini complete first test with Duqueine
Isotta Fraschini have completed their first test with new partner team Duqueine, taking to the Estoril Circuit for two days in the run-up to Christmas.
Of note, new signing and reigning ELMS LMP3 champion Alejandro Garcia completed his first laps at the wheel of the Tipo 6 LMH Competizione as the team focused on longer, race-style stints (completing over 1,200km) giving their new French partner team vital time with the car. The team are yet to confirm the third driver for the sole entry.
The team will race under the Isotta Fraschini Duqueine Team banner next year having split somewhat unceremoniously with Vector Sport.
Isotta also confirmed that they are yet to complete FIA homologation for 2024, but will be ready for WEC debut at the Qatar 1812km.
Scherer joins United for ELMS LMP2
United Autosports have confirmed that Fabio Scherer will make his return to the team in 2024, as part of the #23 Oreca 07 entered in the ELMS.
The Swiss driver will be reunited with Felipe Albuquerque, with whom he raced in the 2021 WEC season, and a third driver who is yet to be announced.
Scherer, only 24-years old, is one of the rising stars of prototype racing. After finishing second in this year’s WEC LMP2 points with Inter Europol Competition, and having scored a class win at Le Mans (with a broken foot) I strongly believe United have their hands on a different driver to the one who raced for the team two years ago. Much matured, and crucially, faster.
Dubai 24h delayed, Daytona clash
The traditional first 24 hour race of the racing season, the Dubai 24, has been delayed due to conflict in the Gulf region diverting the shipment of 38 cars around the African continent.
The 2024 edition has been rescheduled to the 27th-28th January, meaning a direct clash with the IMSA Rolex 24 at Daytona – the date change is reported to have only reduced the entry by six cars, despite a number of teams needing to organise new drivers.
Cetilar announce return to IMSA enduros
Cetilar Racing have made official their plans for the 2024 IMSA season, confirming their #47 Ferrari 296 GT3 will race in all five of the Michelin Endurance Cup events.
The popular Italian team had a difficult 2023 season, and were one of the first teams to race with Maranello’s new GT3 car. Cetilar owner (fun fact, Cetilar is pain relief cream!) Roberto Lacorte, regular driver Giorgio Sernagiotto and Ferrari Hypercar ace Antonio Fuoco will compete in the GTD class.
Pittard, Druidi and Chaves join Aston Martin factory roster
Aston Martin have announced three new drivers for their factory roster, David Pittard, Mattia Drudi, and Henrique Chaves.
Pittard, reigning Nurburgring 24H winner, has raced Aston Martin’s for the past two years but now steps up to AMR factory status. The 31-year old raced for NorthWest AMR in WEC in 2022, finishing on the podium in the first three races including a win at the Sebring 1000 Miles.
GTWC Europe Sprint Cup champion Drudi follows a number of drivers leaving Audi Sport this year, bringing an end to some six years of driving solely R8 GT3s.
Thirdly, Chaves makes his return to competition with Aston Martin, having won the WEC GTE AM title in 2022 with TF Sport – the Portugese driver also won Le Mans that year alongside teammates Ben Keating and Marco Sorensen.
Aston Martin have also retained Danish duo Sorensen and Nicki Thiim, IMSA star Ross Gunn, multiple British GT champion Jonny Adam and Michelin Le Mans Cup champion Valentin Hasse Clot.
Le Mans legend Darren Turner is also set to embark on 20th season as an AMR works driver.
That’s that! A final update for 2023 sees some pretty exciting stories crammed in to the last days of the year.
It’s been an absolutely incredible racing season, but off-track the narratives have been just as exciting. I’m hoping that 2024 does everything that made this year so great, but even better!
Thank you for all your support in these early days for the OE-Mail project, I’m hoping to take this even further next year.
Just a final note. In no way am I expecting any of you to spend a penny, I know just how tough money is especially at the end of the year – and having spoken to so many of you I know there’s far better things in life to be investing your hard-earned money in. But, if you’ve enjoyed the content this year here or on other platforms, have felt part of this incredible community, and want to play an even bigger part in taking OE to the next level, then please consider dropping a couple pennies in the pot to help fund all aspects of content for next year on the OE Buy Me A Coffee.
All the best, and a happy new year!
Tim Fullbrook
OE Founder