WEC

WEC gears up for high-octane racing at Portimao

Published

2 months ago

06/04/2023

Get ready for the World Endurance Championship’s thrilling second round of the 2023 season at the Portimao circuit.

This year’s event boasts an exciting mix of newcomers, including Ferrari, Porsche, and Cadillac’s LMDh machine, alongside returning veterans like Toyota and Peugeot.

Later this month, the World Endurance Championship’s new era will carry on as the Portimao circuit hosts the second round of the 2023 season on April 14-16, showcasing high-octane racing.

During the season opener, the 1000 miles of Sebring, there was a thrilling battle among the top class’s seven manufacturers.

Ferrari marked its top-flight sportscar return with an impressive debut pole position and podium finish, but it wasn’t the only newcomer. Porsche, the WEC giant of the 2010s, also made a comeback with two factory-run cars in partnership with the American racing powerhouse Penske.

In addition to these debutants, Cadillac’s LMDh machine made its first appearance in the WEC, and the Floyd Vanwall Racing Team had their maiden start with a driver lineup that included 1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

The WEC’s top-tier consisted of 11 entries, including the active Toyota, Peugeot, and Glickenhaus Racing teams. However, the number is anticipated to increase as the 2023 season progresses.

The entry is projected to grow to 13 cars for the third round of the season, the six hours of Spa-Francorchamps, with Porsche and Cadillac adding more entries.

Toyota dominated in Sebring, securing a one-two finish, but the other manufacturers, who are still familiarizing themselves with their newer machinery, will be striving to match Toyota’s pace in the upcoming races.

The teams’ next obstacle is the 15-turn Algarve International Circuit, which presents a distinct sequence of steep ascents and descents, often likened to a continuous rollercoaster.

Aside from the Hypercars, the six-hour race will also feature 12 LMP2 cars, including one driven by the returning Formula E champion and local hero Antonio Felix da Costa, as well as 14 GTE Am entries.

Following the Portimao race, the 2023 WEC field will head to Spa on April 27-29, which is the final race before the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 10-11.

The drivers and fans will move to the legendary Monza circuit for the next race of the 2023 WEC season on July 9, before the final two rounds of the season in Fuji and Bahrain.

Ticket information for the races in Portimao and Spa is available on the WEC’s official website, and the official race programme can be found there as well.

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