WEC: COTA makes series comeback as 2024 title fight intensifies

Following a brief summer break the FIA World Endurance Championship is gearing up to return to action, with next on the schedule being this weekend’s Lone Star Le Mans event taking place at the iconic Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas

Nestled in the heart of Texas, COTA is celebrated for its state-of-the-art facilities and challenging layout. Since its opening in 2012, the track has become a favorite among drivers and fans alike, best known for its dramatic elevation changes, including the iconic uphill run into Turn 1 (known as “Big Red”), and the sweeping triple-apex section that forms Turns 16 to18.

It has been four years since WEC last raced at COTA, with the most recent event held in 2020. Over the years, this circuit has hosted memorable WEC races, featuring some fierce battles. Now, the championship returns stronger than ever, boasting 13 global manufacturers, including three American brands – Cadillac, Corvette and Ford. A total of 18 Hypercars and 18 LMGT3 cars will compete on the 5.5km anticlockwise layout, which features 20 turns (11 left/9 right) and with Hypercar-class cars expected to reach speeds in the region of 305kph, and with 44% of the lap spent at full throttle. There are also approximately 54 gear shifts per lap.

With just three rounds remaining this season (COTA, Fuji, Bahrain), the championship fight is about to enter a crucial stage. After Toyota’s win in the Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo, the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers’ Championship has tightened considerably. Porsche, having finished on the podium in every race this year, leads with 126 points, just four ahead of Toyota’s 122 points, thanks to their victories at Imola and São Paulo. Ferrari, buoyed by its win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, remains in the hunt with 109 points. With 91 points still up for grabs, it’s a three-way battle for the title between Porsche, Toyota, and Ferrari.

In the new-for-2024 LMGT3 class, the season has been thrilling, marked by intense battles across all five races. The Manthey team’s Porsche 911 GT3 Rs have consistently performed well, but it faces firm competition from Team WRT’s BMW M4 LMGT3, United Autosports’ McLaren 720S, Heart of Racing’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3, and AF Corse’s Ferrari 296 GT3. The all-female Iron Dames crew, driving a Lamborghini Huracan GT3, secured pole positions at both Interlagos and Spa-Francorchamps, underlining its growing competitiveness. Other standout performances have come from the TF Sport Corvette Z06, Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F LMGT3, and Proton Competition’s Ford Mustangs.

As it stands, the two Manthey teams lead in the championship with 100 and 75 points respectively, followed by Team WRT with 74 points and Heart of Racing with 55 points. The final three races will be critical in deciding the 2024 title.

The entry list for the Lone Star Le Mans includes three local drivers, including double FIA WEC class title-winner Ben Keating, who will drive the #88 Proton Competition Ford Mustang LMGT3 car. Keating, a Texas native, has a strong track record at COTA, with three IMSA GTD class wins in the last four races held at the circuit. Also racing for the home crowd will be Ian James, owner and driver of the Heart of Racing Team’s Aston Martin, and Ryan Hardwick in the #77 Proton Competition entry.

Race action kicks off on Friday, August 30, with practice sessions, followed by qualifying and Hyperpole on Saturday. The six-hour race will start at 13:00 local time on Sunday.

2024 Lone Star Le Mans schedule

Friday 30 August
12:40 – 14:10 Free Practice 1
17:10 – 18:40 Free Practice 2

Saturday 31 August
11:00 – 12:00 Free Practice 3
15:00 – 16:10 Qualifying and Hyperpole

Sunday 1 September
13:00 – 19:00 Lone Star Le Mans