Audi’s departure from the World Endurance Championship has had a major impact on the motor racing world. They have left endurance racing to focus on their time in Formula E. Audi has been extremely successful and they surely will be missed.
The question that arises is what’s next for the current Audi Sport drivers? One of the six, Andre Lotterer has joined Porsche for the 2017 WEC Season, partnering Neel Jaani and Nick Tandy in the #1 car.
The rest remain without a drive. I feel that after the departure of Audi, road car manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW or Renault should enter WEC. Other such manufacturers such as Porsche and Toyota are already a part of the series.
I personally have high hopes for Mercedes since they are excelling in Formula One and have also been successful in DTM. Recently, they have also signed a contract with Formula E which enables them to enter E-Racing in 2018. Things surely do look promising for the German manufacturers.
If they do join LMP1, it will surely suit them as the cars have semi-hybrid engines and Mercedes have mastered that in Formula One, winning all three constructors championships since the start of the V6 Hybrid era.
Their participation would also result in a seat for six highly talented endurance drivers and that number would increase to nine if they decide to field a third car for the 24 Hours Of Le Mans.
Let’s strongly hope that another manufacturer enters WEC as it will be good for both the fans and the sport.
Image Credits: audiworld.com
