What Is 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship

Overview

The 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) marked a pivotal year in endurance racing, as manufacturer exits reshaped the top class. With Audi and Porsche withdrawing from LMP1, Toyota became the sole factory hybrid team competing in the premier category.

This season emphasized reliability and efficiency over outright speed, especially with reduced LMP1 competition. The calendar spanned four continents, highlighting the global appeal of endurance motorsport.

• Round 1: The season kicked off at Silverstone on April 16, 2017, with a six-hour race that saw Toyota dominate both LMP1 entries.
• Le Mans 24 Hours: Held on June 17–18, 2017, it was the fourth round and the centerpiece of the WEC season, drawing over 260,000 spectators.
• Toyota's dominance: The #7 and #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrids finished 1–2 at Le Mans, marking Toyota’s first overall victory after decades of attempts.
• Privateer LMP1 entries: Rebellion Racing and ByKolles fielded non-hybrid LMP1 cars, often facing reliability issues against the factory hybrids.
• End of an era: Porsche officially withdrew after the 2017 season, ending its successful LMP1 program with multiple Le Mans wins.

How It Works

The WEC is structured around endurance racing formats, with races lasting six or 24 hours, testing both car durability and driver stamina. Each event features multiple classes competing simultaneously, with scoring based on finishing position within class.

• LMP1 (Le Mans Prototype 1): The top-tier class featured hybrid-powered prototypes like the Toyota TS050, capable of over 1,000 hp and reaching speeds above 340 km/h.
• LMP2: A cost-capped prototype class using Gibson engines, with teams like Signatech Alpine and Rebellion Racing competing for class honors.
• GTE Pro: Featured factory-backed entries from Ferrari, Porsche, Ford, and BMW, all racing modified versions of production sports cars.
• GTE Am: Required at least one amateur-rated driver and used older-spec GTE cars, promoting accessibility for private teams.
• Race duration: Most rounds lasted six hours, except the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which tested endurance over a full day.
• Scoring system: Points were awarded at 6, 12, and 24 hours in Le Mans, and at 1, 2, and 3 hours in six-hour races, encouraging consistent performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 WEC classes compared in performance, technology, and team composition:

The performance gap between LMP1 and GTE cars was significant, with LMP1 prototypes completing laps nearly a minute faster. However, GTE classes offered tighter racing and closer competition, often decided by seconds. The table reflects how engineering priorities differ across categories, from hybrid efficiency in LMP1 to production-based tuning in GTE.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a turning point that influenced future regulations and manufacturer participation. As hybrid technology matured, the WEC became a testbed for road-relevant innovations.

• Hybrid development: Toyota’s TS050 used a 2.4L twin-turbo V6 with hybrid recovery, advancing energy efficiency in motorsport.
• Manufacturer influence: Porsche’s exit highlighted the high cost of LMP1, prompting the FIA to design cheaper Hypercar regulations for 2021.
• Driver legacy: Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima, and Fernando Alonso formed a star-studded Toyota lineup, boosting the series’ profile.
• Global reach: Races in China, Mexico, and Bahrain expanded WEC’s footprint beyond Europe and North America.
• Safety advancements: The 2017 season saw zero fatalities, thanks to improved crash structures and medical response protocols.
• Media growth: Live streaming and enhanced TV coverage increased viewership by 12% over 2016, especially in Asia.

The 2017 FIA WEC season was both a farewell to an era of factory hybrid dominance and a catalyst for change, setting the stage for a more sustainable and accessible future in endurance racing.