2017 FIA World Endurance Championship
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| 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship | |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile Automobile Club de l'Ouest |
| Discipline | Sports car endurance racing |
| Number of races | 9 |
| Champions | |
| LMP1 Manufacturer |  Porsche |
| GTE Manufacturer |  Ferrari |
| LMP2 Team |  Vaillante Rebellion |
| LMGTE Pro Team | AF Corse |
| LMGTE Am Team |  Aston Martin Racing |
The 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship was the sixth season of the FIA World Endurance Championship, an auto racing series co-organised by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO). The series is open to Le Mans Prototypes and grand tourer-style racing cars divided into four categories. The season began at the Silverstone Circuit in April and will end at the Bahrain International Circuit in November, and include the 85th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. World championship titles will be awarded to the leading prototype drivers and manufacturers, while for the first time in the World Endurance Championship the leading grand touring drivers and manufacturers will also be awarded a world championship.
Following the 6 Hours of Fuji, the #2 Porsche drivers Timo Bernhard, Earl Bamber, and Brendon Hartley currently lead the World Endurance Drivers' Championship, the #38 Jackie Chan DC Racing crew of Ho-Pin Tung, Oliver Jarvis and Thomas Laurent lead the Endurance Trophies for LMP2 Drivers and Teams, the #51 AF Corse duo James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi lead the GT World Endurance Drivers' and Teams Championships, and the Proton Competition crew of Christian Ried, Marvin Dienst and Matteo Cairoli lead the Endurance Trophy for GTE-Am Drivers. The #61 Clearwater Racing entry leads the Endurance Trophy for GTE-Am Teams. Porsche lead the World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship, while Ferrari leads the GT World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship.
Schedule[edit]
The ACO announced a provisional calendar on 22 September 2016, largely identical to the 2016 schedule. For the upcoming season, the 6 Hours of Nürburgring event is moved one week earlier in the year, in order to avoid a potential clash with the German Grand Prix. At the same time, for the first time in the history of the WEC, the official pre-season test will not be held at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, and will instead be held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy.[1]
| Rnd | Race | Circuit | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prologue | Autodromo Nazionale di Monza | Monza | 1/2 April | |
| 1 | 6 Hours of Silverstone | Silverstone Circuit | Silverstone | 16 April |
| 2 | 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps |  Stavelot | 6 May |
| 3 | 24 Hours of Le Mans | Circuit de la Sarthe |  Le Mans | 17–18 June |
| 4 | 6 Hours of Nürburgring | Nürburgring | Nürburg | 16 July |
| 5 | 6 Hours of Mexico | Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez |  Mexico City | 3 September |
| 6 | 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas | Circuit of the Americas |  Austin, Texas | 16 September |
| 7 | 6 Hours of Fuji | Fuji Speedway |  Oyama, Shizuoka | 15 October |
| 8 | 6 Hours of Shanghai | Shanghai International Circuit |  Shanghai | 5 November |
| 9 | 6 Hours of Bahrain | Bahrain International Circuit |  Sakhir | 18 November |
Teams and drivers[edit]
On 26 October 2016, Audi Sport Team Joest announced its withdrawal from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the season. [2]
| Full-season entry | Additional entry | Third manufacturer entry |
| * Eligible for all championship points | * Eligible only for Drivers' championship points | * Eligible for Drivers' championship points * Only eligible for Manufacturers' championship points at Le Mans |
LMP1[edit]
| Entrant | Car | Engine | Hybrid | Tyre | No. | Drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche LMP Team | Porsche 919 Hybrid | Porsche 2.0 L Turbo V4 | Hybrid | M | 1 | Neel Jani[3] | All |
| Nick Tandy[3] | All | ||||||
| André Lotterer[3] | All | ||||||
| 2 | Timo Bernhard[3] | All | |||||
 Brendon Hartley[3] | All | ||||||
| Earl Bamber[3] | All | ||||||
 ByKolles Racing Team | ENSO CLM P1/01 | Nismo VRX30A 3.0 L Turbo V6 | M | 4 | Oliver Webb[4] | 1–4 | |
| Dominik Kraihamer[4] | 1–4 | ||||||
| James Rossiter[4] | 1–2 | ||||||
| Marco Bonanomi[5] | 3–4 | ||||||
| Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota TS050 Hybrid | Toyota H8909 2.4 L Turbo V6 | Hybrid | M | 7 | Mike Conway[6] | All |
| Kamui Kobayashi[6] | All | ||||||
 José María López[6] | 1, 4–9 | ||||||
| Stéphane Sarrazin[7] | 3 | ||||||
| 8 | Sébastien Buemi[6] | All | |||||
| Kazuki Nakajima[6] | All | ||||||
| Anthony Davidson[6] | 1–5, 7−9 | ||||||
| Stéphane Sarrazin[8] | 6 | ||||||
| 9 | Yuji Kunimoto[9] | 2–3 | |||||
| Nicolas Lapierre[9] | 2–3 | ||||||
| Stéphane Sarrazin[6] | 2 | ||||||
| José María López[7] | 3 |
- Robert Kubica was scheduled to compete for the ByKolles Racing Team, but withdrew prior to the start of the season.[10]
LMP2[edit]
In accordance with the new Le Mans Prototype LMP2 regulations for 2017, all cars utilise the Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8 engine.
LMGTE Pro[edit]
| Entrant | Car | Engine | Tyre | No. | Drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF Corse | Ferrari 488 GTE | Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8 | M | 51 | James Calado[33] | All |
| Alessandro Pier Guidi[33] | All | |||||
| Michele Rugolo[34] | 3 | |||||
| 71 | Davide Rigon[33] | All | ||||
| Sam Bird[33] | 1–3, 5–9 | |||||
 Miguel Molina[35] | 3 | |||||
 Toni Vilander[36] | 4 | |||||
| Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK | Ford GT | Ford EcoBoost 3.5 L Turbo V6 | M | 66 | Stefan Mücke[37] | All |
| Olivier Pla[37] | All | |||||
| Billy Johnson[37] | 1–3 | |||||
| 67 | Andy Priaulx[37] | All | ||||
| Harry Tincknell[37] | All | |||||
 Pipo Derani[37] | 1–3 | |||||
| Porsche GT Team | Porsche 911 RSR | Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6 | M | 91 | Richard Lietz[38] | All |
| Frédéric Makowiecki[38] | All | |||||
| Patrick Pilet[39] | 3 | |||||
| 92 |  Michael Christensen[38] | All | ||||
| Kévin Estre[38] | All | |||||
| Dirk Werner[39] | 3 | |||||
| Aston Martin Racing | Aston Martin Vantage GTE | Aston Martin 4.5 L V8 | D | 95 | Nicki Thiim[40] | All |
| Marco Sørensen[40] | All | |||||
| Richie Stanaway[41] | 1–3 | |||||
| 97 | Darren Turner[40] | All | ||||
| Jonathan Adam[40] | All | |||||
| Daniel Serra[41] | 1–6 |
LMGTE Am[edit]
| Entrant | Car | Engine | Tyre | No. | Drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Race | Ferrari 488 GTE | Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8 | M | 54 | Thomas Flohr[13] | All |
| Francesco Castellacci[22] | All | |||||
| Miguel Molina[42] | 1–2, 4–9 | |||||
 Olivier Beretta[43] | 3 | |||||
| 55 | Duncan Cameron[43] | 3 | ||||
| Aaron Scott[43] | 3 | |||||
| Marco Cioci[43] | 3 | |||||
 Clearwater Racing | Ferrari 488 GTE | Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8 | M | 60 | Richard Wee[44] | 3 |
| Hiroki Katoh[44] | 3 | |||||
 Álvaro Parente[44] | 3 | |||||
| 61 |  Weng Sun Mok[45] | All | ||||
| Keita Sawa[45] | All | |||||
 Matt Griffin[45] | All | |||||
| Dempsey-Proton Racing | Porsche 911 RSR | Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6 | D | 77 | Christian Ried[46] | All |
| Marvin Dienst[46] | All | |||||
| Matteo Cairoli[46] | All | |||||
| Gulf Racing | Porsche 911 RSR | Porsche 4.0 L Flat-6 | D | 86 | Ben Barker[22] | All |
 Nick Foster[47] | All | |||||
| Michael Wainwright[13] | 1–6, 9 | |||||
| Mike Hedlund[24] | 7 | |||||
 Khaled Al Qubaisi[48] | 8 | |||||
| Aston Martin Racing | Aston Martin Vantage GTE | Aston Martin 4.5 L V8 | D | 98 |  Paul Dalla Lana[40] | All |
| Pedro Lamy[40] | All | |||||
| Mathias Lauda[40] | All |
Regulation changes[edit]
As part of the ACO's 2017 regulations, the LMP2 category has been revamped with the introduction of a single specification motor from Gibson Technology, with increased power output compared to 2016 LMP2s.[49] Cockpit and chassis designs will also mimic the LMP1 regulations for safety.[50] The four approved chassis manufacturers were Dallara, Ligier, Oreca and Riley.[51] Due to the single engine manufacturer, LMP2 teams are allowed an unlimited number of engines during the season.
At the behest of the manufacturers in LMGTE, the World Motor Sport Council approved the promotion of the GT Manufacturers' and Drivers' World Cups to world championship status, on par with the Manufacturers' and Drivers' World Championships for the LMP categories.[52] LMGTE teams will also be limited to only three tyre compounds over the season, although the third compound does not have to be chosen until Le Mans.[53] However, teams in LMGTE Pro as well as LMP1, will be limited to four sets of tyres plus two spares at all six-hour races. LMGTE entries will also no longer incur a penalty for changing an engine between qualifying and the race.[52]
Across all categories, limitations on testing have been decreased in an attempt to lower costs. Wind tunnel testing has also been further restricted.[52]
Results and standings[edit]
Race results[edit]
The highest finishing competitor entered in the World Endurance Championship is listed below. Invitational entries may have finished ahead of WEC competitors in individual races.
- ^ Although entered under the G-Drive Racing banner for sponsorship purposes and considered an additional entry by the FIA, the No. 22 is entered by the DragonSpeed Racing team of the European Le Mans Series, and not associated with the No. 26 car entered by TDS Racing.[20]
- ^ The LMGTE Am class winner for Le Mans was the No. 84 JMW Motorsport invitational entry. As it was not a full-season WEC entrant, the points for the win were awarded to the No. 55 Spirit of Race entry.
Entries were required to complete the timed race as well as to complete 70% of the overall winning car's race distance in order to earn championship points. A single bonus point was awarded to the team and all drivers of the pole position car for each category in qualifying. For the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the race result points allocation was doubled. Furthermore, a race must complete three laps under green flag conditions in order for championship points to be awarded.
Driver championships[edit]
Four titles are offered to drivers, two with world championship status. The World Endurance Drivers' Championship is reserved for LMP1 and LMP2 drivers while the GT World Endurance Drivers' Championship is available for drivers in the LMGTE categories. An FIA Endurance Trophy is awarded in the LMP2 and in LMGTE Am. The FIA Endurance Trophy for LMP1 Private Teams Drivers was not rewarded in 2017 due to not meeting the minimum number of entrants.
| Duration | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | Other | Pole |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Hours | 25 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 |
| 24 Hours | 50 | 36 | 30 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
World Endurance Drivers' Championship[edit]
Bold - Pole position |
GT World Endurance Drivers' Championship[edit]
Endurance Trophy for LMP2 Drivers[edit]
Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Am Drivers[edit]
| Pos. | Driver | Team | SIL | SPA | LMS | NÜR | MEX | COA | FUJ | SHA | BHR | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paul Dalla Lana | Aston Martin Racing | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 192 |
| 1 | Pedro Lamy | Aston Martin Racing | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 192 |
| 1 | Mathias Lauda | Aston Martin Racing | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 192 |
| 2 | Christian Ried | Dempsey-Proton Racing | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 168 |
| 2 | Marvin Dienst | Dempsey-Proton Racing | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 168 |
| 2 | Matteo Cairoli | Dempsey-Proton Racing | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 168 |
| 3 | Weng Sun Mok | Clearwater Racing | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 165 |
| 3 | Keita Sawa | Clearwater Racing | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 165 |
| 3 | Matt Griffin | Clearwater Racing | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 165 |
| 4 | Thomas Flohr | Spirit of Race | Ret | 4 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Ret | 3 | 109 |
| 4 | Francesco Castellacci | Spirit of Race | Ret | 4 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Ret | 3 | 109 |
| 5 | Miguel Molina | Spirit of Race | Ret | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Ret | 3 | 97 | |
| 6 | Ben Barker | Gulf Racing | 4 | Ret | 5 | 5 | 3 | Ret | 4 | 2 | 5 | 97 |
| 6 | Nick Foster | Gulf Racing | 4 | Ret | 5 | 5 | 3 | Ret | 4 | 2 | 5 | 97 |
| 7 | Michael Wainwright | Gulf Racing | 4 | Ret | 5 | 5 | 3 | Ret | 5 | 67 | ||
| 8 | Duncan Cameron | Spirit of Race | 1 | 50 | ||||||||
| 8 | Aaron Scott | Spirit of Race | 1 | 50 | ||||||||
| 8 | Marco Cioci | Spirit of Race | 1 | 50 | ||||||||
| 9 | Khaled Al Qubaisi | Gulf Racing | 2 | 18 | ||||||||
| 10 | Richard Wee | Clearwater Racing | 6 | 16 | ||||||||
| 10 | Hiroki Katoh | Clearwater Racing | 6 | 16 | ||||||||
| 10 | Álvaro Parente | Clearwater Racing | 6 | 16 | ||||||||
| 11 | Mike Hedlund | Gulf Racing | 4 | 12 | ||||||||
| 12 | Olivier Beretta | Spirit of Race | 7 | 12 |
Manufacturer championships[edit]
Two manufacturers' titles will be contested, one for LMP1s and one for LMGTEs. The World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship is only open to manufacturer entries in the LMP1 category, while the GT World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship allows all entries from registered manufacturers in LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am to participate. The top two finishing cars from each manufacturer earn points toward their total.
World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship[edit]
| Pos. | Manufacturer | SIL | SPA | LMS | NÜR | MEX | COA | FUJ | SHA | BHR | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Porsche | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 337 |
| 3 | 4 | Ret | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | |||
| 2 | Toyota | 1 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 286.5 |
| 23 | 2 | Ret | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
GT World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship[edit]
| Pos. | Manufacturer | SIL | SPA | LMS | NÜR | MEX | COA | FUJ | SHA | BHR | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ferrari | 2 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 305 |
| 5 | 2 | 7 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 2 | |||
| 2 | Ford | 1 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 237.5 |
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 4 | 5 | |||
| 3 | Porsche | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 223.5 |
| 10 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 11 | |||
| 4 | Aston Martin | 6 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 207 |
| 7 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Team championships[edit]
An FIA Endurance Trophy is awarded in the LMP2, LMGTE Pro, and LMGTE Am categories. A trophy for the private LMP1 teams is not awarded in 2017 due to not meeting the minimum number of entrants.
Endurance Trophy for LMP2 Teams[edit]
| Pos. | Car | Team | SIL | SPA | LMS | NÜR | MEX |
|---|