[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/audi-departing-le-mans\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/audi-departing-le-mans\/","headline":"With Audi’s departure, future of WEC analysed.","name":"With Audi’s departure, future of WEC analysed.","description":"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 […]","datePublished":"2016-12-19","dateModified":"2017-01-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feature-22.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/feature-22.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/audi-departing-le-mans\/","about":["MOTORSPORT"],"wordCount":341,"keywords":["Audi","Audi R18 E-Tron LMP1","Endurance racing","fia","formula e","le mans","porsche","toyota","volkswagen","WEC"],"articleBody":"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 MansFrom now on its pretty clear that Porsche, Audi\u2019s main rival for the past couple of years, will be competing against Toyota for the win as they are one of WEC\u2019s main automakers. Both Audi and Porsche were under Volkswagen Group\u2019s control and the diesel scandal in September last year certainly would have been a major factor in Audi\u2019s departure.Since the 1920\u2019s, Le Man\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019ll never see their 2017-spec R18 E-Tron LMP1 out on the track.Let\u2019s just hope for an \u2018electrifying\u2019 performance in the Formula E from Audi and another year of drama at Le Mans in their absence."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"New Releases","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/new-releases\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Motorsport","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/new-releases\/\/motorsport\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"With Audi’s departure, future of WEC analysed.","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/new-releases\/motorsport\/audi-departing-le-mans\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]