New WEC qualifying format: everyone validates!

The new format of qualifications in WEC, lasting 15 minutes per category starting with GTE, then LM P2 and finally the premier Hypercar category, was well received. This increase in power, as well as the possibility of seeking pure performance without finding a slower car on its trajectory, was widely acclaimed by the paddock. “The purpose of a qualification is to see the intrinsic potential of each person, notait Frédéric Makowiecki, pilote Porsche. This format offers everyone the opportunity to excel in this area, and eliminates the need to manage traffic. Which is a good thing. »

Same story with Pascal Vasselon. “Let’s say it’s better when there is less traffic, explique le directeur technique de Toyota. A qualification represents a hierarchy, and we do not want traffic to be an obstacle to performance. The fact now that the three categories are separated allows each car to be where it deserves to be.”

Unanimous opinion of WEC team directors

For Philippe Sinault, boss of the Signatech team-Alpine, it's a format that should have been adopted a long time ago. " It is very good, rejoices the French manager. This allows you to warm up the brakes well and pass two trains. Qualification must be the most accomplished expression of performance, and it is a great exercise which was not necessarily highlighted in Endurance. It also allows the drivers to put themselves forward. I really liked this first experience. »

No doubt as the Formula 1, would it be possible to push the concept further in order to make it a real spectacle even if, obviously, in Endurance, winning pole has more honorary importance than crucial in racing.

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