This 2024 season was that of rebirth for a name which began its history in 1900. This season, Isotta Fraschini entered a Tipo 6 Competizione in the Hypercar category. At the wheel of the No. 11 were Jean-Karl Vernay, Antonio Serravalle and Carl Wattana Bennett, while Gilles Duqueine's team was responsible for operating the prototype. An adventure which will therefore end, at least provisionally, after five contested rounds, and a fourteenth position as best final place, during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, last June.
The rumor grew at the end of the afternoon and was quickly confirmed by the Italian manufacturer around 19:00 p.m. via a press release: “ Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili has announced its immediate withdrawal from the 2024 World Championship season.Endurance because there are no longer any conditions to continue the partnership with the French team Duqueine.
After a productive first season, marked by a successful finish at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, the automotive brand has decided to redirect its resources towards restructuring its motorsport program and expanding its track and road initiatives.
Isotta Fraschini would like to warmly thank its sponsors, drivers, partners and fans for their unwavering support throughout this inaugural season. The company also thanks the WEC and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) for their support and hopes for a possible return in the near future. »
« We are extremely proud of what we accomplished in our first season. Competing in the WEC has been an incredible honor and experience, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans being a highlight, explains Miguel Valldecabres, motorsport director and CEO of Isotta Fraschini.
This very difficult decision was not taken lightly, but it allows us to capitalize on our successes, promoting the growth of our brand and the development of our products in the racing and Hypercar markets.
As a new manufacturer with great ambitions, not continuing the 2024 WEC season is a strategic obligation to conserve our resources and ensure the continuity of our project.
Despite this difficult setback, we look forward to the future with enthusiasm. Our journey as a performance brand continues and we look forward to taking new steps. »
END OF THE SEASON
Although the Tipo 6 LMH Competizione #11 is already on its way to Austin (Texas) for the sixth round of the season, Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili has announced its immediate withdrawal from the 2024 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season as… pic.twitter.com/L3JFByIj8T
— Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili (@IFautomobili) August 22, 2024
Although Isotta Fraschini does not seem to be putting a definitive end to its WEC program, it would be unlikely after this announcement to see them again in the Hypercar category in 2025. However, Miguel Valldecabres recently assured in the columns of AUTOhebdo that the two Italian LMHs imposed by the future regulations would be operated by Duqueine next season.
There will therefore only be 36 cars entered in Austin for Lone Star Le Mans on September 1st.
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Yves-Henri RANDIER
22/08/2024 at 11:21 a.m.
What about DUQUEINE’s point of view which would seem to be the cause of this stop with immediate effect?
YVES CHAMPOD
21/08/2024 at 08:48 a.m.
That's the END! ! !