Spa‑Francorchamps thriller sets the stage for an electrifying Le Mans

The WEC race at Spa-Francorchamps will go down in history. It was marked by a surprising decision from the judges to extend the race. The competition on the track and the surrounding atmosphere signalled that we were witnessing one of the most extraordinary eras in motorsport.

The six-hour race saw Porsche and Ferrari vie for supremacy on the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps track, with commendable performances from Cadillac and Toyota and slightly lagging efforts from Alpine, BMW, Lamborghini, and Peugeot. This lineup, unparalleled in the recent history of endurance racing, highlights the success of creating the hypercar class.

The heart of the race lies in the on-track battles and the emotions they evoke, but the broad participation of famous teams and brands also pulled nearly 90,000 fans to the Belgian track on race day. This figure is on par with Formula 1, showcasing the immense appeal of endurance racing.

Endurance racing legends like Porsche and Ferrari excite imaginations and draw massive crowds, thanks to their large fan bases.

The current WEC rules contribute to keeping diversity on track. Ferrari and Toyota crafted their vehicles from the ground up, whereas other teams benefited from externally supplied designs. For instance, Porsche partnered with Multimatic for its design, with the team managed by American racing legend Penske. This strategy not only cuts costs but also leverages the experience of racing stalwarts.

Despite initial concerns for the 2024 season, the FIA has ensured a competitive balance, preventing Ferrari and Toyota from dominating. After the first three races, Porsche leads the overall classification, with the #6 team of Kévin Estre, André Loter, and Laurens Vanthoor at the forefront, boasting a win and two-second places. The runner-up, another Porsche team—the private Jota #12 squad—secured an unexpected victory at Spa-Francorchamps.

The GT3 class, too, has seen increased design variety, sparking intense competition. The battle at Spa was filled with drama until the last moment, but ultimately, Porsche clinched the top two spots. The GT3 lineup features Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ford, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, and Porsche.

This sets up a thrilling scenario for the 24-hour race at Le Mans in mid-June. With the best drivers, legendary teams, and a balanced lineup, we're poised for an incredible spectacle. Will Ferrari defend its title, will Porsche reclaim its glory, will Toyota extend its success, or will a new contender emerge? The 2023 competition was notably well-matched, suggesting any hypercars could clinch victory.

The 24-hour Le Mans race coverage will be available on Autokult.