Le Mans Hypercar - The ACO maintains its course of action

This morning, Aston Martin has announced that it has paused its Le Mans Hypercar program with, as an excuse, the convergence IMSA-WEC and the creation of the LMDh. It goes without saying that the main source of the problem is obviously the poor financial situation that the Gaydon brand is currently experiencing. But the ACO once again assures that its “strategy concerning Le Mans Hypercar and LMDh remain unchanged »

« While it is disappointing that a manufacturer facing difficult times is reconsidering its commitment, I remain confident that the Hypercar platform is the right long-term solution for the World Championship.Endurance FIA, underlines Richard Mille, President of the FIA ​​Endurance Commission.

This category, with its aggressive style, is a very attractive proposition while maintaining an excellent ratio between cost and competitiveness. Several major renowned manufacturers are evaluating their commitment, while the FIA, with the ACO, is very involved in building solid foundations for the new premier category. With a cohesive strategy, we look forward to this exciting new era for endurance. »

President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, Pierre Fillon admits: “ Aston Martin recently informed us of this new transitional stage in its Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar project. We can only take note of this and await a favorable outcome.

For several months already, we have been able to record the economic difficulties of Aston Martin, its questions about its future sports programs, namely Endurance and F1, as well as on its strategic orientations. Developments linked to the economic and industrial context are parameters which can always arise during the realization of projects for a manufacturer.

Concerning the next premier category Le Mans Hypercar, we want to believe and remain firmly convinced that a manufacturer has its place there, in its best interests too.

Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship, at this level of technology and budget, is an undeniable opportunity for a manufacturer to demonstrate its competitiveness, in all areas: technique, efficiency, moderate consumption, sustainable mobility.

The ACO/IMSA convergence does not impact this category; the next elements given at Sebring, in mid-March, on the technical details of this platform, will confirm this.

We hope that this transitional pause in Valkyrie development by Aston Martin with Multimatic will be quickly and positively ended. »

Finally Gérard Neveu, director of the World Endurance Championship, recognizes that “ ce n’est pas une bonne nouvelle sur le court terme pour le WEC, mais cela ne modifie en rien notre stratégie sur le moyen et long terme. Nous avons toujours Toyota et Peugeot , as well as other competitors, who have expressed their interest in the Le Mans Hypercar and, with the arrival of the LMDh, we will welcome many other manufacturers. »