The Mercedes-AMG GT3 will participate in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the first time in 2024. This follows the WEC’s decision to replace its GTE formula with SRO’s more economical GT3 alternative. However, WEC will prioritize manufacturers that are already present in the championship’s Hypercar class while accepting entries, meaning Mercedes may not get preferred treatment over Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini, and Chevrolet (thanks to Cadillac).
Customer Teams to Front Mercedes’ Effort
Mercedes will rely on its customer teams to lead its effort, with WEC promoter, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, laying out a plan that allows a maximum of two entries per manufacturer. While the LMGT3 class details are awaiting ratification by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, Mercedes is optimistic about the interest received from its customer teams and confident that it will be present in the WEC next year.
Stefan Wendl, head of Mercedes-AMG’s customer racing division, stated that Mercedes provides different levels of manufacturer support to customer teams depending on the championship or race they are competing in. They dedicate bigger budgets to the DTM and major enduros such as the Nurburgring 24 Hours. Mercedes is currently discussing all options and will decide where it wants to participate after having a clear picture.
Mercedes’ Approach
Asked about Mercedes’ involvement as a manufacturer in a potential WEC program, Wendl stated that they would follow the customers’ preferred path and then examine how much support is possible. Their approach includes drivers’ support, engineering support, and spare parts support, as they are known for their excellent support systems worldwide. Mercedes is optimistic that it will have one or more AMGs on the grid.
Mercedes’ Le Mans History
Mercedes last participated in the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1999 with the CLR prototype. However, it withdrew from the event on safety grounds following a series of crashes during qualifying and practice. In December, leading GT World Challenge entrant ASP announced that it is actively working to race at Le Mans in 2024 with a Mercedes AMG-GT3.
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