Next year Isotta Fraschini will compete in the World Endurance Championship with one hypercar – now entry team Vector Sport reveals that even two bolides are planned
The revived ‘Isotta Fraschini’ brand is entering the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2024 and has already started its test programme. The Tipo 6 LMH Competizione is to be supported and fielded by partner team Vector Sport. Now team boss Gary Holland reveals that the team is even planning to run two cars next year.
“We will make two entries before the closing date in November and we are hopeful that we will get them,” Holland told Autosport.com. “We believe we will bring something to the championship, we will be a credible contender and we certainly won’t be driving around at the back of the field.”
“But we understand the pressure on WEC entries for next year and will respect the entry process and the decision of the organisers.” Nevertheless, Holland explained that it would make sense for Vector Sport to enter two Isotta-Fraschini cars next season for a number of reasons.
Drivers for 2024 not yet decided
The team is moving up from the LMP2 class and feels well enough prepared to look after the two cars. “Our partnership with Isotta and Michelotto Engineering [the Tipo 6’s development team] is strong enough to allow us to run two cars,” said Holland.
The advantage: “It doubles the data you can collect on a race weekend and allows you to collect more manufacturer points.” Nevertheless, Holland also says that no decisions have yet been made on the drivers for next year and that the selection will be made in consultation with Isotta and Michelotto.
Marco Bonanomi and Jean-Karl Vernay were at the wheel during the tests so far. The two experienced drivers have apparently expressed a desire to drive the Tipo 6 in the World Endurance Championship and the 24h race at Le Mans as well. Gabriel Aubry, who has so far driven for Vector in LMP2, has also been allowed to climb into the cockpit of the Isotta-Fraschini LMH.
Fire at test apparently harmless
However, the Frenchman was only able to drive a few metres during the Monza test before an engine leak caused a fire and ended the test programme early. “The engine cover was certainly a bit crispy, but if this had been a race weekend we would have been back on track the next day,” Holland plays down the problem.
“At that stage of the programme it made sense to strip the car down and send the sump away for scanning so we could examine it properly.” These days Vector Sport will begin a three-day test in Aragon, Spain, which will also see the second chassis used for the first time.
