Mercedes-AMG has, for a while, been formally evaluating a possible near-future entry within the Hypercar and/or GTP lessons with an LMDh prototype, RACER understands.
A number of trade sources have indicated to RACER that the German OEM has been in talks with key suppliers and rule-makers. And whereas it hasn’t made any formal acknowledgement of a program but, it will seem that it’s taking a critical have a look at making a return to top-class prototype racing for the primary time since 1999.
Mercedes-AMG’s curiosity comes at a time when Genesis seems to be sure to verify programmes in each the WEC and IMSA, and each McLaren (doubtlessly 2027) and Honda (with a WEC Hypercar marketing campaign so as to add to its present IMSA GTP) proceed to carry their locations on the prospects checklist.
Presently, a lot of the WEC paddock rumor mill continues to flow into round the way forward for Lamborghini within the FIA WEC’s high class. However the actuality is that even when the SC63 programme is withdrawn or positioned on sabbatical for 2025, there look like a number of routes by which full-season WEC grids might be maintained within the excessive 30s.
A part of the answer – if Lamborghini scales again its program – might be a debut for Mercedes-AMG within the FIA WEC’s LMGT3 class as early as subsequent season.
Mercedes’ final top-level sports activities automobile effort was in 1999. Sutton Photographs/Motorsport Photographs
Mercedes-AMG has repeatedly expressed its need to compete in LMGT3 with the AMG GT3 Evo, however with the WEC grid stuffed to capability for 2024 and house in brief provide for 2025, it stays on the surface wanting in for the second.
Lamborghini’s looming Hypercar selections will possible have a direct influence, although. Ought to it decide to drag its SC63s from the world championship, then there would possible be ample house for it to affix the grid, which is capped at 40 vehicles for 2025.
Nevertheless, time is working out for Mercedes to homologate the AMG GT3 Evo as an LMGT3 automobile in time to take areas on the grid, ought to they turn into out there. It already has prospects competing within the ACO sphere, however so far, it has not wanted to homologate the AMG GT3 Evo as an LMGT3 automobile (with torque sensors and doubtlessly aerodynamic tweaks) to permit prospects to compete in both the Asian Le Mans Collection or Le Mans Cup. Each these collection run with common GT3 vehicles.
All the things, due to this fact, wants to return collectively quick for it to make its WEC debut in Qatar subsequent yr.
In the meantime, RACER’s method final week to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport to investigate a few potential top-class programme acquired no official response.
