Endurance racing took a big hit in October when Audi made their shock departure from Le Mans, but what does this mean for this, the most famous of races?
Formula E may be getting a much-needed boost now that Audi is on board, but they will be sorely missed by those at the FIA World Endurance Championship. The two have been together through thick and thin with Audi becoming the 24 Hours of Le Mans second most successful manufacturer along the way.
Audi made the decision to leave WEC late in the season and it seemed to be a fairly last minute thing that really shook up the world of motorsport. After enjoying a long period of success in endurance racing Audi is moving on, leaving Le Mans and the WEC with a lot to think about.
Future of Le Mans
From now on its pretty clear that Porsche, Audi’s main rival for the past couple of years, will be competing against Toyota for the win as they are one of WEC’s main automakers. Both Audi and Porsche were under Volkswagen Group’s control and the diesel scandal in September last year certainly would have been a major factor in Audi’s departure.
Since the 1920’s, Le Man’s 24 Hours has made its name as the best sports car race the world has ever seen and us Brits flock to the festival year after year to soak up the atmosphere and see the action first hand. Considering the prestige of Le Mans, it is unlikely that the loss of Audi will destroy it, although the 2017 season will have a very different feel for sure.
It’s incredible to think just how much Audi dominated 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning 13 times over 18 years with some truly stunning cars – its just a shame that we’ll never see their 2017-spec R18 E-Tron LMP1 out on the track.
Let’s just hope for an ‘electrifying’ performance in the Formula E from Audi and another year of drama at Le Mans in their absence.
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