The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) has announced that starting from the 2024 season, all rounds of the championship will adopt the Hyperpole qualifying format for both the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes.
New Qualifying Format
Under the new system, each regular round will feature two qualifying sessions for the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes. In the first session, a 12-minute qualifying period will determine the top 10 cars. These cars will then proceed to the Hyperpole session, which lasts for 10 minutes, and sets the grid positions for the first five rows in each class.
Inspired by Le Mans
The introduction of the Hyperpole qualifying format is inspired by the double-points Le Mans WEC round held in 2020. The WEC organizers received positive feedback from teams and fans alike regarding the Hyperpole session, leading to its implementation for all rounds from the 2024 season onwards.
Enhanced Competition
The Hyperpole session adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the qualifying process. By narrowing down the field to the top 10 cars, it ensures that only the fastest and most competitive teams from each class have a chance to battle for the front row positions on the grid.
A Step Towards Equality
The adoption of the Hyperpole format for both the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes demonstrates the WEC’s commitment to promoting equality and fairness among all competitors. This format allows teams from both categories to showcase their skills and compete on a level playing field.
The WEC’s decision to introduce the Hyperpole qualifying format for all rounds starting in 2024 is set to bring even more excitement and drama to the championship. It ensures that the best teams in each class will have the opportunity to start at the front of the grid, setting the stage for thrilling races and intense competition throughout the season.