In a groundbreaking move toward gender equality in motorsport, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is setting its sights on having a female driver compete at the highest level in 2025, according to WEC CEO Frederic Lequien. This ambitious plan comes after Ferrari’s triumphant victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours earlier this year, signaling a potential turning point for diversity in motorsport.
Lequien, in an interview with Sport News Center, shared his optimism about the upcoming milestone, stating, “I know that there are some plans for 2025. I’m pretty sure it will happen.” This announcement is a significant step forward as there has been a noticeable absence of female representation at the top echelons of motorsport, including Formula 1, for nearly half a century.
The WEC, known for its iconic Le Mans 24 Hours race, recently witnessed a historic win by Ferrari in 2023, marking their return to the top class after a five-decade hiatus. This resurgence of interest in sports car racing is partly attributed to the introduction of the hypercar class, which allows manufacturers greater flexibility in car design and promotes the use of sustainable fuels—a vital aspect of the automotive industry’s response to climate concerns.
Ferrari, a brand synonymous with high-performance sports cars, already has a female factory driver in its ranks, France’s Lilou Wadoux. In a remarkable achievement, Wadoux became the first woman to secure a victory in the WEC, competing in the lower GT class with a Ferrari 488. Furthermore, she recently tested Ferrari’s top-tier 499P hypercar in Bahrain, hinting at a potential breakthrough for female drivers in the hypercar category.
As Ferrari considers its driver lineup for 2024, there is a possibility that Wadoux may join the ranks of the elite hypercar drivers. With Alessandro Pier Guidi and Antonio Fuoco already confirmed for the team and former Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica in the mix, the decision remains eagerly anticipated. Notably, British Le Mans winner James Calado’s status for the upcoming season is yet to be confirmed, adding to the suspense.
Diversity and inclusion have become focal points of discussion in motorsport, with Lequien emphasizing their significance. He stated, “Diversity is super important. But the result is also important – look at the last race of the season where [all-female Iron Dames] won the race. I think we will be successful [with diversity and inclusion] when we will see them as a driver. Not as a female driver.”
Lilou Wadoux’s journey in motorsport has been remarkable, having tested both the Ferrari 499P and Toyota’s GR010 hypercar. She has also gained experience in the LMP2 level of competition, although this category is set to feature less prominently in the WEC’s next season.
While Wadoux has made waves, another promising female driver, Doriane Pin, gained attention in the LMP2 class after an impressive stint with the Iron Dames in the GT category in 2022. However, Pin is not expected to be part of the 2024 lineup for the new Lamborghini hypercar program.
Lequien’s comments come at a time when another motorsport season has concluded without female participation in top-tier competitions, including sports cars, Formula 1, Formula E, and the World Rally Championship (WRC).
In an exciting development, legendary seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi is set to make his debut in the WEC, driving for BMW. Rossi’s transition from two wheels to four has been highly anticipated, with the 44-year-old Italian testing various cars, including an LMP2 car and Michael Schumacher’s F1 Ferrari.
Furthermore, rumors have swirled about the possible entry of Britain’s 2009 F1 world champion, Jenson Button, into the WEC next season. Button, 43, already participated in the American version of WEC—the IMSA Sports Car Championship—and demonstrated his skills behind the wheel.
Despite Ferrari’s Le Mans victory, Toyota clinched both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ hypercar titles in the WEC this year, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive 2024 season.
In conclusion, the prospect of a female driver competing at the top level of the World Endurance Championship in 2025 is a groundbreaking development that showcases the growing commitment to diversity and inclusion in motorsport. Lilou Wadoux’s achievements and the potential entry of other female drivers are steps toward a more inclusive and equal future in the world of hypercar racing. As the automotive industry evolves with sustainable fuels and cutting-edge technology, motorsport is embracing change on and off the track, making it an exciting time for fans and enthusiasts of all backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hypercar Diversity
Q: Is there currently any female representation in top-level motorsport?
A: As of now, there is a noticeable absence of female drivers in top-level motorsport, including categories like Formula 1, sports car racing, Formula E, and the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Q: What is the significance of the hypercar class in motorsport?
A: The hypercar class in motorsport is significant because it allows manufacturers greater flexibility in designing cars and promotes the use of sustainable fuels. This class represents a shift towards more environmentally conscious racing, aligning with the automotive industry’s response to climate change.
Q: Who is Lilou Wadoux, and what has she achieved in the World Endurance Championship (WEC)?
A: Lilou Wadoux is a female factory driver for Ferrari in the WEC. She made history by becoming the first woman to win a race in the WEC, competing in the lower GT class with a Ferrari 488. Wadoux has also tested top-level hypercars, raising expectations for her potential future in the hypercar category.
Q: What are the plans for a female hypercar driver in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2025?
A: The WEC has ambitious plans to introduce a female driver at the top level of the championship in 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote diversity and inclusion in motorsport, breaking gender barriers.
Q: Are there any other high-profile drivers making transitions in the World Endurance Championship (WEC)?
A: Yes, legendary MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi is set to make his WEC debut, driving for BMW. Additionally, there are rumors about former Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button possibly competing in the WEC next season, highlighting the growing appeal of sports car racing.
Q: Which team clinched the hypercar titles in the WEC for the current season?
A: Despite Ferrari’s victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Toyota secured both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ hypercar titles in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the current season.
More about Hypercar Diversity
- Ferrari’s Historic Win at Le Mans – BBC Sport
- World Endurance Championship (WEC) – Official Website
- Lilou Wadoux Makes History – Motorsport.com
- Valentino Rossi’s WEC Debut – Autosport
- Jenson Button’s Potential Entry – Motorsport.com
- Toyota’s Hypercar Title Wins – Toyota Gazoo Racing
