The Return of WEC to Brazil: A Thrilling Hypercar Showdown at Interlagos
After a decade-long hiatus, the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is set to make its grand return to Brazil for the Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo. The iconic Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, will host this exhilarating event, marking a pivotal moment in the 2024 season.
A Championship in Flux
The recent 24 Hours of Le Mans has shaken up the championship standings, injecting a fresh dose of excitement into the competition. With just nine points separating the top two crews, the battle for supremacy is fiercer than ever. The Porsche Penske Motorsport #6 currently leads the pack, closely followed by the Ferrari #50, which clinched a stunning victory at Le Mans for the second consecutive year.
The Interlagos Challenge
Interlagos presents a unique set of challenges for the hypercar teams. Its anti-clockwise layout, a rarity in the WEC calendar, puts unusual strain on drivers’ necks. The track’s short length – the shortest in the championship – coupled with its tight corners and undulating terrain, promises intense racing and tricky traffic management.
Sam Smith, WEC expert, notes, “The key overtaking area is that stretch from the final corner onto the pit straight. The Ferra Dura right-hander is a real test – it’s like a triple apex, long radius turn that’s super tough on the drivers.”
Contenders and Dark Horses
While Porsche, Ferrari, and Toyota form the top triumvirate, other manufacturers are eager to upset the apple cart. Cadillac, fresh from a strong showing at Le Mans, might find Interlagos less suited to their package. BMW has shown flashes of pace but is still on a learning curve with their new car.
Newcomers like Isotta Fraschini and Lamborghini, having survived the grueling test of Le Mans, are looking to build on that experience. As Smith puts it, “They’ll have spent days at their facilities poring over what they can learn for subsequent races.”
The Porsche Factor
Porsche enters the weekend as the favorite, with their consistent performance throughout the season giving them an edge. The internal battle between the #5 and #6 crews adds an extra layer of intrigue. “It might be the last chance for the #5 to really assert some authority,” Smith suggests.
Adding to the Porsche narrative are the three customer teams fielding 963s. After Jota’s victory at Spa, could we see another customer team triumph?
A Nod to History
Interlagos holds a special place in motorsport history. Named after Carlos Pace, a Brazilian racing legend, the circuit has seen the likes of Emerson Fittipaldi, Ayrton Senna, and Nelson Piquet cement their legacies here. The passionate Brazilian fans are sure to create an electric atmosphere, especially with local heroes like Felipe Fraga and Daniel Serra in the mix.
The Prediction Game
When pushed for a prediction, Smith leans towards Porsche, specifically the #5 crew. “Matt Campbell, the way he’s come in and the job he’s done… I think this track and the amphitheater of Interlagos will really suit him,” he explains.
As the WEC returns to Brazil, fans are in for a treat. With championship implications, historical significance, and the promise of close racing, the Rolex 6 Hours of São Paulo is shaping up to be an unmissable event in the world of endurance racing.
