Boutique car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini has announced its sudden withdrawal from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar class, effective immediately. This decision comes ahead of the sixth round of the season in Austin, leaving the Hypercar grid with fewer competitors for the rest of the 2024 season.
Dispute with Duqueine Team Leads to Exit
The primary reason behind Isotta Fraschini’s unexpected exit from the WEC is a disagreement with the Duqueine Team, which had been managing the entry of the single Tipo 6-Competizione car. This dispute is reportedly moving to legal proceedings, pushing the Italian manufacturer to reconsider its position in the championship. As a result, Isotta Fraschini’s leadership has decided to cease its current endurance racing efforts and shift focus towards enhancing their track and road car projects.
Miguel Valldecabres, Director of Motorsport and CEO of Isotta Fraschini, explained the decision:
“This very difficult decision was not taken lightly, but it allows us to build on our experiences, promoting the growth of our brand and the development of our products in both the racing and Hypercar markets.”
Refocusing on Brand Growth and Future Projects
Isotta Fraschini’s withdrawal from the WEC is seen as a strategic move to safeguard its resources and sustain its long-term goals as a high-performance brand. The company emphasized that its time in the WEC, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, had been a valuable experience. Despite the setback, they remain optimistic about future endeavors in motorsport.
Key points from their statement include:
- Redirecting focus to developing both track and road car initiatives.
- Ensuring continuity and sustainable growth for the brand.
- Considering a possible return to the WEC under better circumstances.
The partnership with Duqueine, which took over from Vector Sports as Isotta’s factory team in late 2023, faced several challenges. Despite initial high hopes and signing touring car veteran Jean-Karl Vernay as the lead driver, along with young talents Antonio Serravalle and Carl Wattana Bennett, the collaboration struggled to deliver the necessary on-track development.
Uncertain Future for Isotta in Motorsport
Looking ahead, Isotta Fraschini’s future in the WEC remains uncertain, especially with the series’ new requirement for manufacturers to field two cars from 2025. If a resolution is not reached, the brand’s grid spots may be filled by privateer teams using customer cars.
In their final statement, Isotta Fraschini expressed gratitude to their sponsors, drivers, partners, and fans for their unwavering support during their inaugural season. They also thanked the WEC and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) for their cooperation, hinting at a potential return in the future.