P1racenews AI automatic summary:
More and more Hypercar teams are favouring two-driver line-ups for the WEC’s six-hour races. But does a slimmed-down line-up actually offer a real advantage?
Since 2024, there has been a noticeable shift in Hypercar teams opting for two-driver line-ups over trios in the World Endurance Championship races, with the Sao Paulo 6 Hours last year seeing seven out of 18 top-class cars utilizing pairs. Although some newcomers are also considering this choice, the question remains whether having two drivers provides a significant advantage.
Initially, there were discussions about mandating three-driver crews by the organisers, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the FIA, but that idea was eventually abandoned. The regulations specify that in LMGT3, a crew of two or three drivers must include at least one Bronze-rated driver, complemented by another Bronze or a Silver driver, with minimum driving times set for different race durations.
When it comes to Hypercar, line-up composition is flexible as long as it doesn’t include a Bronze driver, allowing for two-driver line-ups for WEC races excluding the Le Mans 24 Hours. It’s worth noting that driving time limits and rules regarding disqualified cars and scoring championship points are strictly enforced.
Historically, in WEC, two-driver crews have been a rarity, often arising from unexpected circumstances like driver unavailability due to other commitments or health issues rather than a deliberate team choice. However, the trend has been changing with prominent teams like Cadillac Racing, Aston Martin, and Porsche Penske Motorsport opting for two-driver line-ups in recent years.
While the concept of two-driver crews in WEC is gaining traction, so far, only a small percentage of races have been won by such duos in the championship’s modern era. One of the early victories achieved by a two-driver team was Toyota’s win at the 2012 Sao Paulo race, showcasing the potential of this less conventional strategy in endurance racing.
