Porsche has announced that it does not expect to add a second customer team in the World Endurance Championship for the 2025 season. Thomas Laudenbach, head of Porsche Motorsport, confirmed that Proton Competition will be the only private team to field the Porsche 963 LMDh, following Jota's decision to switch to Cadillac to become their official team.
Laudenbach explained that although they are open to discussions if a new interested party emerges, there are currently no additional candidates. "Proton will be the only customer team, unless someone with the right resources steps forward," he commented. This indicates that Porsche will maintain a more concentrated structure in its customer program for next year.
Changes in the WEC grid
The 2025 WEC season will see the entry of new competitors and the expansion of some existing ones. Aston Martin will join with its Valkyrie AMR-LMH, while Cadillac and Lamborghini will increase their presence to two cars each, following updated regulations. This increase in competition for a spot in the Hypercar category limits space for new teams.
Proton Competition, which debuted in the Hypercar class with the Porsche 963 at Monza in 2023, has expressed interest in expanding its participation. However, Christian Ried, the team's manager, indicated that the chances of adding a second car are 50-50, and ruled out increasing their presence in the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Isotta Fraschini and Vanwall Racing
The situation in the Hypercar grid could be affected by Isotta Fraschini's recent decision to end its 2024 campaign with the French Duqueine team. The Italian brand had plans to compete with its LMH Tipo 6 Competizione, but its future is now uncertain. If Isotta Fraschini decides to return to the WEC, it would have to field two cars to comply with the new regulations requiring two vehicles per manufacturer in the Hypercar category. This could take up the last available slots in a grid limited to 40 participants.
Isotta Fraschini's temporary exit opens up opportunities for other teams or manufacturers interested in joining the WEC. However, Laudenbach noted that even with this possible vacancy, Porsche has no immediate plans to expand its customer program beyond Proton.
Vanwall Racing is also looking to return to the WEC. After failing to secure an entry for the 2024 season following its debut in 2023, the team intends to come back with an updated version of its car, equipped with a Pipo twin-turbo V8 engine previously used by Glickenhaus.
The potential entry of Hyundai into the WEC, possibly as early as 2026, adds further competition for the limited spots on the grid. Additionally, Toyota has expressed interest in running a third car privately, although Porsche has ruled out this option for its official team.
My interest in motorsports has been a constant in my life, a passion that has led me to work in a variety of important events in this field. Among them are the World Rally Championship, Formula E, NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Mexico and dirt track competitions.
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