FIA WEC returns to COTA in Austin as championship title fight intensifies
85 BOVY Sarah (bel), FREY Rahel (swi), GATTING Michelle (dnk), Iron Dames, Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo2 #85, LM GT3, pitstop, arrêt aux stands, pitlane, during the 2024 Rolex 6 Hours of Sao Paulo, 5th round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship, from July 12 to 14, 2024 on the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, Brazil - Photo Fabrizio Boldoni / DPPI
After a short summer break, the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) will bounce back into action later this week for round six of the 2024 season – the Lone Star Le Mans – which takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Nestled in the heart of Texas, COTA is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities and challenging layout. Since opening in 2012, the circuit has quickly become a favourite among drivers and teams alike due to its dramatic elevation changes, a signature uphill run into Turn 1, known as “Big Red” and its triple-apex right-hander which forms turn 16, 17 and 18.
It has been four years since the WEC last raced at COTA, the last event taking place in February 2020. Over the years, the circuit has hosted some memorable WEC races, including fierce battles for victory and dramatic weather-affected races. Now the WEC is back stronger than ever with 13 global manufacturers including three American marques (Cadillac, Corvette and Ford) and will see a total of 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars battle it out on the Texan circuit on what will be America’s Labour Day weekend.
At 5.5km in length and run in anti-clockwise direction, COTA features 20 turns (11 left/9 right). Hypercars reach speeds in the region of 305kph where approximately 44% of the lap is travelled with a fully-opened throttle. During each tour of the circuit, Hypercar drivers will shift gears an estimated 54 times.
The entry list includes three local drivers including the return of double WEC category winner Ben Keating who will drive the No. 88 Proton Competition Ford Mustang LMGT3 car. The American will replace regular Bronze driver Giorgio Roda racing alongside factory driver Dennis Olsen and Mikkel Pedersen.
Keating, who hails from Texas and operates his hugely-successful auto dealership field out of the state, is yet to drive the black and gold Ford Mustang but has a strong track record at the circuit having won three of the last four races held there in IMSA’s GTD class. Despite this, Keating remains humble: “I’m tempering my expectations of what we’re going to be able to do with the car, but that doesn’t dampen my excitement to drive it. I don’t expect to hop in this car and to dominate, but it’s going to be fun to be there regardless.”
Alongside Keating, there will be two other American drivers for the home fans to support including Ian James – owner and driver of the Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3. The No. 77 Proton Competition entry also features American Ryan Hardwick in its line-up.
With just three rounds of the WEC remaining this year (USA, Japan and Bahrain), the fight for the 2024 endurance championship titles is extremely tight. Following Toyota’s win at the Rolex 6 Hours of Sao Paulo last time out, the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship has got even closer with Porsche’s lead slashed to a slender four points over closest rivals, Toyota. Porsche Penske Motorsport have finished on the podium at each of the five WEC races this year and currently have 126 points while Toyota, thanks to two race wins in Imola and Sao Paulo, have 122 points.
Ferrari’s victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June sees the Prancing Horse still in the fight with 109 points – just 17 points adrift of points leaders, Porsche. With 91 points (including pole position points) still available at the remaining WEC races this season, the 2024 title is a three-way battle between Porsche, Toyota and Ferrari.
The new-for-2024 LMGT3 class, has delivered a thrilling season so far, with intense battles across all five races. The season kicked off with a strong showing from the Manthey teams and their Porsche 911 GT3 Rs, which have consistently performed well. However, the competition has remained fierce with Team WRT’s BMW M4 LMGT3, United Autosports’ McLaren 720S, Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 and AF Corse’s Ferrari 296 GT3s also frequently challenging for podiums.
The all-female Iron Dames crew, driving a Lamborghini Huracan GT3, secured pole positions at both Interlagos and Spa-Francorchamps, highlighting the team’s growing competitiveness. Other standout performances include the TF Sport Corvette Z06, Akkodis ASP and its Lexus RC F LMGT3 and the Proton Competition Ford Mustangs, which have shown flashes of speed throughout the season.
As of now, the championship standings remain tight, with the Manthey teams edging out the competition due to their consistent finishes (100 points and 75 points respectively). However, Team WRT (74 points) and Heart of Racing (55 points) are not far behind, making the three remaining races crucial for the 2024 championship outcome.
Race action in the USA commences on Friday (30 August) with FP1 and FP2, while Qualifying – and the all-important Hyperpole – is set to take place on Saturday. The green flag for the 6 hour race will be waved at 13:00 local time on Sunday (1 September)
