2017 FIA World Endurance Championship
Auto racing series
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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 ended at the Bahrain International Circuit in November, and included the 85th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. World championship titles were 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 were also awarded a world 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 |
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Brendon Hartley, Earl Bamber and Timo Bernhard won the World Endurance Championship for Drivers and Porsche were victorious in the World Endurance Championship for Manufacturers. The World Endurance Championship for LMGTE Drivers was won by Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado with the World Endurance Championship for LMGTE Manufacturers awarded to Ferrari.[1]
Schedule
The ACO announced a provisional calendar on 22 September 2016, largely identical to the 2016 schedule. For the 2017 season, the 6 Hours of Nürburgring event was 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 was not held at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, and was instead held at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy.[2]
| 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 |
| Sources:[3][4] | ||||
Teams and drivers
On 26 October 2016, Audi Sport Team Joest announced its withdrawal from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the end of the season.[5]
| 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
| Entrant | Car | Engine | Hybrid | Tyre | No. | Drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche LMP Team |
Porsche 919 Hybrid | Porsche 9R9 2.0 L Turbo V4 | Hybrid | M | 1 | Neel Jani[6] |
All |
| Nick Tandy[6] |
All | ||||||
| André Lotterer[6] |
All | ||||||
| 2 | Timo Bernhard[6] |
All | |||||
 Brendon Hartley[6] |
All | ||||||
| Earl Bamber[6] |
All | ||||||
 ByKolles Racing Team |
ENSO CLM P1/01 | Nismo VRX30A 3.0 L Turbo V6 | M | 4 | Oliver Webb[7] |
1–4 | |
| Dominik Kraihamer[7] |
1–4 | ||||||
| James Rossiter[7] |
1–2 | ||||||
| Marco Bonanomi[8] |
3–4 | ||||||
| Toyota Gazoo Racing |
Toyota TS050 Hybrid | Toyota H8909 2.4 L Turbo V6 | Hybrid | M | 7 |  Mike Conway[9] |
All |
| Kamui Kobayashi[9] |
All | ||||||
 José María López[9] |
1, 4–9 | ||||||
| Stéphane Sarrazin[10] |
3 | ||||||
| 8 | Sébastien Buemi[9] |
All | |||||
| Kazuki Nakajima[9] |
All | ||||||
| Anthony Davidson[9] |
1–5, 7−9 | ||||||
| Stéphane Sarrazin[11] |
6 | ||||||
| 9 | Yuji Kunimoto[12] |
2–3 | |||||
| Nicolas Lapierre[12] |
2–3 | ||||||
| Stéphane Sarrazin[9] |
2 | ||||||
| José María López[10] |
3 |
- Robert Kubica was scheduled to compete for the ByKolles Racing Team, but withdrew prior to the start of the season.[13]
LMP2
In accordance with the new Le Mans Prototype LMP2 regulations for 2017, all cars utilised the Gibson GK428 4.2 L V8 engine.[14]
LMGTE Pro
| Entrant | Car | Engine | Tyre | No. | Drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AF Corse |
Ferrari 488 GTE | Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8 | M | 51 | James Calado[37] |
All |
| Alessandro Pier Guidi[37] |
All | |||||
| Michele Rugolo[38] |
3 | |||||
| 71 | Davide Rigon[37] |
All | ||||
| Sam Bird[37] |
1–3, 5–9 | |||||
 Miguel Molina[39] |
3 | |||||
 Toni Vilander[40] |
4 | |||||
| Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK |
Ford GT | Ford EcoBoost D35 3.5 L Turbo V6 | M | 66 | Stefan Mücke[41] |
All |
| Olivier Pla[41] |
All | |||||
| Billy Johnson[41] |
1–3 | |||||
| 67 | Andy Priaulx[41] |
All | ||||
| Harry Tincknell[41] |
All | |||||
 Pipo Derani[41] |
1–3 | |||||
| Porsche GT Team |
Porsche 911 RSR | Porsche M97/80 4.0 L Flat-6 | M | 91 | Richard Lietz[42] |
All |
| Frédéric Makowiecki[42] |
All | |||||
| Patrick Pilet[43] |
3 | |||||
| 92 |  Michael Christensen[42] |
All | ||||
| Kévin Estre[42] |
All | |||||
| Dirk Werner[43] |
3 | |||||
| Aston Martin Racing |
Aston Martin Vantage GTE | Aston Martin AM05 4.5 L V8 | D | 95 | Nicki Thiim[44] |
All |
| Marco Sørensen[44] |
All | |||||
| Richie Stanaway[45] |
1–3 | |||||
| 97 | Darren Turner[44] |
All | ||||
| Jonathan Adam[44] |
All | |||||
| Daniel Serra[45] |
1–6 |
- Lucas di Grassi was scheduled to compete for AF Corse at the 24 Hours of Le Mans,[39] but withdrew after breaking his ankle playing football. He was replaced by Michele Rugolo.[38]
LMGTE Am
| Entrant | Car | Engine | Tyre | No. | Drivers | Rounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Race |
Ferrari 488 GTE | Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8 | M | 54 | Thomas Flohr[17] |
All |
| Francesco Castellacci[26] |
All | |||||
| Miguel Molina[46] |
1–2, 4–9 | |||||
 Olivier Beretta[47] |
3 | |||||
| 55 | Duncan Cameron[47] |
3 | ||||
| Aaron Scott[47] |
3 | |||||
| Marco Cioci[47] |
3 | |||||
 Clearwater Racing |
Ferrari 488 GTE | Ferrari F154CB 3.9 L Turbo V8 | M | 60 | Richard Wee[48] |
3 |
| Hiroki Katoh[48] |
3 | |||||
 Álvaro Parente[48] |
3 | |||||
| 61 |  Weng Sun Mok[49] |
All | ||||
| Keita Sawa[49] |
All | |||||
 Matt Griffin[49] |
All | |||||
| Dempsey-Proton Racing |
Porsche 911 RSR | Porsche M97/80 4.0 L Flat-6 | D | 77 | Christian Ried[50] |
All |
| Marvin Dienst[50] |
All | |||||
| Matteo Cairoli[50] |
All | |||||
| Gulf Racing |
Porsche 911 RSR | Porsche M97/80 4.0 L Flat-6 | D | 86 | Ben Barker[26] |
All |
 Nick Foster[51] |
All | |||||
| Michael Wainwright[17] |
1–6, 9 | |||||
| Mike Hedlund[28] |
7 | |||||
 Khaled Al Qubaisi[52] |
8 | |||||
| Aston Martin Racing |
Aston Martin Vantage GTE | Aston Martin AM05 4.5 L V8 | D | 98 |  Paul Dalla Lana[44] |
All |
| Pedro Lamy[44] |
All | |||||
| Mathias Lauda[44] |
All |
Regulation changes
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.[53] Cockpit and chassis designs also resembled the LMP1 regulations for safety.[54] The four approved chassis manufacturers were Dallara, Ligier, Oreca and Riley.[55] Due to the single engine manufacturer, LMP2 teams were 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.[56] LMGTE teams were also limited to only three tyre compounds over the season, although the third compound does not have to be chosen until Le Mans.[57] However, teams in LMGTE Pro as well as LMP1, were limited to four sets of tyres plus two spares at all six-hour races. LMGTE entries also no longer incurred a penalty for changing an engine between qualifying and the race.[56]
Across all categories, limitations on testing have been decreased in an attempt to lower costs. Wind tunnel testing has also been further restricted.[56]
Results and standings
Race results
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.
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.[60]
Driver championships
Four titles were offered to drivers, two with world championship status. The World Endurance Drivers' Championship was reserved for LMP1 and LMP2 drivers while the GT World Endurance Drivers' Championship was available for drivers in the LMGTE categories. An FIA Endurance Trophy was awarded in the LMP2 and in the LMGTE Am categories.[60] The FIA Endurance Trophy for LMP1 Private Teams Drivers was not rewarded in 2017 due to not meeting the minimum number of entrants.[61]
| 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 |
| Source:[60] | ||||||||||||
World Endurance Drivers' Championship
Bold - Pole position |
GT World Endurance Drivers' Championship
Endurance Trophy for LMP2 Drivers
Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Am Drivers
Manufacturer championships
Two manufacturers' titles were contested, one for LMP1s and one for LMGTEs. The World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship was only open to manufacturer entries in the LMP1 category, while the GT World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship allowed all entries from registered manufacturers in LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am to participate. The top two finishing cars from each manufacturer earned points toward their total.[60]
World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship
GT World Endurance Manufacturers' Championship
Team championships
An FIA Endurance Trophy was awarded in the LMP2, LMGTE Pro, and LMGTE Am categories.[60] A trophy for the private LMP1 teams was not awarded in 2017 due to not meeting the minimum number of entrants.[61]
Endurance Trophy for LMP2 Teams
| Pos. | Car | Team | SIL |
SPA |
LMS |
NÜR |
MEX |
COA |
FUJ |
SHA |
BHR |
Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 31 | Vaillante Rebellion |
2 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 186 |
| 2 | 38 | Jackie Chan DC Racing |
1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 175 |
| 3 | 36 | Signatech Alpine Matmut |
4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 151 |
| 4 | 13 | Vaillante Rebellion |
9 | 4 | DSQ | 4 | 5 | 2 | DSQ | 3 | 3 | 85 |
| 5 | 24 | CEFC Manor TRS Racing |
6 | 7 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 83 |
| 6 | 26 |  G-Drive Racing |
5 | 1 | Ret | 6 | 4 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 82 |
| 7 | 37 | Jackie Chan DC Racing |
8 | 10 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 5 | Ret | 8 | 8 | 77 |
| 8 | 28 | TDS Racing |
3 | 9 | Ret | 8 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 55 |
| 9 | 25 | CEFC Manor TRS Racing |
7 | 8 | Ret | 7 | 8 | Ret | 7 | 5 | 5 | 46 |
| 10 | 35 | Signatech Alpine Matmut |
6 | 3 | Ret | 38 | ||||||
| Source:[59] | ||||||||||||
Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Pro Teams
| Pos. | Car | Team | SIL |
SPA |
LMS |
NÜR |
MEX |
COA |
FUJ |
SHA |
BHR |
Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 51 | AF Corse |
2 | 2 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 164 |
| 2 | 67 | Ford Chip Ganassi Racing UK |
1 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 146 |
| 3 | 91 | Porsche GT Team |
3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 145 |
| 4 | 71 | AF Corse |
5 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 143 |
| 5 | 95 | Aston Martin Racing |
6 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 104 |
| 6 | 97 | Aston Martin Racing |
7 | 7 | 1 | 7 | Ret | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 101 |
| 7 | 66 | Ford Chip Ganassi Racing UK |
4 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 95 |
| 8 | 92 | Porsche GT Team |
Ret | 6 | Ret | 3 | 5 | 2 | 3 | Ret | Ret | 67 |
| Source:[59] | ||||||||||||
Endurance Trophy for LMGTE Am Teams
| Pos. | Car | Team | SIL |
SPA |
LMS |
NÜR |
MEX |
COA |
FUJ |
SHA |
BHR |
Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 98 | Aston Martin Racing |
2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 198 |
| 2 | 61 | Clearwater Racing |
1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 179 |
| 3 | 77 | Dempsey-Proton Racing |
3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 174 |
| 4 | 54 | Spirit of Race |
Ret | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | Ret | 3 | 117 |
| 5 | 86 | Gulf Racing |
4 | Ret | 4 | 5 | 3 | Ret | 4 | 2 | 5 | 101 |
| Source:[59] | ||||||||||||