Le Mans 24 Hours Hypercar Field to Increase
The Le Mans 24 Hours hypercar field is expected to increase from 13 cars to 17 for the 2023 round of the World Endurance Championship. Extra Glickenhaus and Vanwall entries, together with two additional LMDhs Cadillacs would bring the entry list up by four.
This would be a major boost as it would mean that this year’s Hypercar class will equal the 17-strong LMP1 field that raced at Le Mans in 2011. Jim Glickenhaus has expressed an intent to enter two Pipo-engined 007 LMHs into the race, while Colin Kolles’ ByKolles team has also expressed a desire to add a second Vandervell 680.
Cadillac meanwhile is planning on entering “as many cars as we can” according to Laura Wontrop Klauser, General Motors’ sportscar programme manager. This could include running two V-LMDhs from Action Express Racing and Chip Ganassi Racing teams in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship alongside its full-season WEC entry from Ganassi.
Additional Entries To Be Dependent On Selection Committee
Acceptance of these additional entries will however depend on the Le Mans selection committee which will meet after 21 February when entries close. After this date, they will then publish details of their 62 accepted entrants some time in early March.
One driver has been announced so far for Glickenhaus: Romain Dumas who was listed in their solo full season WEC entry last week. Other drivers may include regulars from previous campaigns such as 2021 and 2022 though Richard Westbrook and Pipo Derani are not included due to being contracted with Cadillac teams.
.
“You will probably see some familiar faces,” said Glickenhaus, “though we are talking to other drivers. We’re certainly not going to take a funded driver unless they are absolutely at the top level.”
.
Vanwall meanwhile have revealed details of their first road going models; meeting requirements for Hypercar entrants being bona fide manufacturers or representing one. The all electric Vanwall Vandervell sports sedan comes in two versions; S (320bhp) and S Plus (580bhp) with 500 limited run models available starting at €128,000 each.
.
Source : motorsport.com
.
