P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WEC firms up plans to expand grid to 40 cars by 2025
The CEO of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Frederic Lequien, has stated that the field will be increased to 40 cars in 2025. However, finding the right balance is a challenge, and a capacity beyond 40 cars will not be possible due to limited spots at the Le Mans 24 Hours race. The increase in entries will affect the number of cars invited from associated series like the European and Asian Le Mans Series and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This year, there were 10 automatic entries from these series at Le Mans. The ACO has guaranteed 15 grid spots for LMP2 machinery in 2024. The initial plan to go to 40 cars was announced in September but was later shelved, with the grid staying at 37 cars for now. The limit for 2023 is determined by the pit capacities at Imola and Austin tracks. The expansion is necessary in 2025 due to the arrival of new teams like Aston Martin and the Heart of Racing, as well as the Iron Lynx factory Lamborghini squad. Accommodating the extra cars at tracks with fewer than 40 pit boxes is being discussed, and additional cars joining the WEC in 2024 is not ruled out.
