Vettel's first Hypercar test, Peugeot show off new 9X8, and WEC's new two-car rule
Another F1 champ could be set for a switch to endurance racing, Peugeot ditch unique aerodynamic philosophy and more in OE Founder Tim Fullbrook's weekly summary
It was another exceptionally busy week in the sportscar world, the headlines largely focused around Sebastian Vettel’s step closer to a drive at Le Mans after his positive test; but alongside that came Peugeot’s unveiling of their crucial updates to the 9X8.
A reminder that even though the LMH/LMDh era has been active for a few years now, that there is still plenty of movement going on. Things really are as busy, bustling, and brilliant as ever.
So if you’ve been too busy buying easter eggs this week, or just had your head elsewhere, here’s the stories you need to know about…
Sebastian Vettel completes Aragón test with Porsche Penske
Earlier this week Sebastian Vettel joined the Porsche Penske Motorsport WEC Hypercar squad for a 36-hour test at MotorLand Aragón, with the four-time F1 champion making an extended appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
Porsche reported that Vettel completed 118 laps behind the wheel of the #5 Porsche 963 LMDh, two double-stints, and racked up 518km in his first taste of current prototype machinery.
It’s believed the test was extremely positive, and with Porsche Penske rumoured to have delayed their Le Mans driver lineup announcement, there seems to be increased talk of Vettel landing a seat in the third Porsche Penske car, the #4, at this year’s 24 Hours.
“Driving the Porsche 963 on the track here in Aragón – that was definitely fun,” said the 36-year-old.
“I first had to get used to everything and find my rhythm. The driving experience is different simply because of the roof over your head, as well as dealing with the higher weight and the tires. The Porsche works drivers were very helpful and explained to me what was special and what I needed to get used to. That made it easy for me."
This is definitely a storyline to keep your eye on over the next couple of weeks…
Peugeot unveil heavily updated 9X8 - complete with rear wing
Peugeot have lifted the covers on their updated 9X8 Hypercar, which has seen a significant aerodynamic overhaul.
Ahead of planned race debut at Imola in April, the French manufacturer revealed the 2024 9X8 on Monday, as well as releasing some important information about what work has been done to LMH.
The big talking point was, of course, the departure from the wingless concept and the the conventional rear wing that now dons the tail of the 9X8. But the aerodynamic work goes beyond that, with Peugeot stating that 90% of the bodywork components have been updated as part of the new homologation.
Additionally this framework has allowed Peugeot to make upgrades on the reliability and performance side, including updates to the gearbox which has been an achilles heel across its 11 WEC races so far.
And finally Peugeot have opted to switch to running 29cm/34cm front and rear tyres, ditching the all-31cm format previously used – meaning that all LMH manufacturers in Hypercar are now running the 29/34.
Tap here to take a closer look at the new car.
Cadillac disqualified from WEC first round
The #2 Cadillac has been disqualified from the results of the WEC’s opening round at the Qatar 1812KM, losing fourth place, after it was found the car was running diffuser parts that did not comply with its homologation.
A 3D scan of the car was completed in post-race scrutineering, and it when compared to pre-season scans it was found that strakes on the diffuser were out of position and beyond the allowed tolerances.
Further investigation with Dallara found that “two parts were delivered without a final Quality Control.”
A big loss of points for the Chip Ganassi-run entry who are looked set for a return to top five form after a difficult second half of the 2023 season. The decision sees the a number of Hypercars promoted, most prominently the #20 BMW WRT moves into P10 and thus the final points scoring position. Lamborghini also are promoted to score 2 points in the Manufacturers’ championship.
WEC evaluating two car rule for Hypercar manufacturers
The WEC are said to be considering a rule that will mandate a minimum of two cars entered by manufacturers in the Hypercar class.
An article by Autosport reported that the championship is considering the rule as part of plans to expand to a 40-car grid in 2025.
If the rule comes into place, current single-car entries Cadillac, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini would be required to double their presence in the class, and the incoming Heart of Racing would have to change plans to run a single Aston Martin Valkyrie in their first season in the world championship.
The rule preventing manufacturer teams from running more than two cars would also stay in place, and the two-car mandate would not apply to privateer teams like Hertz Team JOTA and Proton Competition.
It might sound like a big shift with knock-on effects for the rest of the WEC grid, but the reality is all Hypercar manufacturers are either already running two cars, or have had plans at some point to have two cars in the category.
AWA withdraw #17 Corvette from IMSA GTD season
AWA have made the decision to withdraw the #17 Corvette Z06 GT3.R from GTD competition in IMSA as driver Anthony Mantella steps back from racing.
Mantella took to Instagram to offer the car for sale, stating that the new GT3 car is “Not a perfect race car but unobtainium to the public.”
Hours later AWA released a statement that the Mantella and factory driver Nico Varrone’s #17 car would not race, the #13 car however is unaffected.
OE understands that there had been growing tensions between the customer Corvette team and the manufacturer after suffering an alternator problem at Daytona, before an electrical issue at Sebring saw them miss the green flag and then only complete two laps – the car retired on both occasions.
Jake Dennis makes GTWC Europe return
Reigning FIA Formula E champion Jake Dennis will make his return the GTWC Europe Endurance Cup, as the British driver was confirmed alongside Darren Leung and Toby Sowery in the #991 Century Motorsport BMW M4 GT3.
Dennis last raced in the series in 2021, where he drove for Walkenhorst in the final two rounds of the season. The 28-year-old has one race appearance with BMW’s newest GT3 car, having driven for Walkenhorst at the 2023 Nurburgring 24 Hours.
Racing this weekend:
British GT - Oulton Park - The first two races of the 2024 season from the brilliantly challenging Oulton Park. Easter Weekend sees both races take place on Monday, so don’t forget to tune in!