FIA WEC Season Finale: Drama and Champions Crowned in Bahrain
The 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship concluded with an intense 8-hour battle at the Bahrain International Circuit, where both manufacturers' and drivers' titles hung in the balance until the final moments. The season finale delivered unexpected twists, strategic battles, and championship-deciding drama across multiple classes.
Hypercar Class Battle
The race began with a dramatic start as Sebastian Buemi led from pole position, while Mike Conway attempted a bold move around the outside. The opening lap saw intense action with six cars running wide, and the BMW M Hybrid V8 nearly making contact with the wall.
Key race developments included:
- Multiple lead changes between Toyota and Porsche
- A crucial spin for race leader Sebastian Buemi after contact with a Corvette
- Technical issues affecting several frontrunners
- Strategic tire management in the scorching Bahrain heat
"It's been an amazing season. Thank you to my amazing teammates, great spirit, great push all year and fantastic team effort," remarked the newly crowned drivers' champion from the winning Porsche team.
Championship Outcomes
The final results saw significant implications for both titles:
| Championship | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers | Toyota Gazoo Racing | 2 points |
| Drivers | Porsche #6 (Vanthoor/Estre/Lotterer) | Confirmed |
| LMGT3 Teams | Manthey PureRxcing | Secured at Fuji |
LMGT3 Class Highlights
The LMGT3 category provided intense entertainment throughout the race:
- Ferrari secured their second win of the season
- Corvette Racing claimed both second and third positions
- Manthey PureRxcing had already secured both titles at Fuji
"I knew I had to take risks... In the end, it's a team sport, but today we did a good job," shared one of the Toyota drivers after their manufacturers' title victory.
Critical Moments
Several pivotal incidents shaped the race outcome:
- A drive-through penalty for multiple cars including the #6 Porsche
- Late-race contact between key championship contenders
- Strategic tire choices affecting overall performance
- Toyota's reliability concerns creating late-race tension
Looking Forward
The 2024 season finale marked a significant milestone for the WEC, with the promise of additional manufacturer participation in the coming season. The competitive nature of both Hypercar and LMGT3 classes has set the stage for an even more exciting future in endurance racing.
The Bahrain International Circuit once again proved to be a fitting venue for the championship showdown, delivering eight hours of intense racing action and championship drama across all classes.
