WEC 2023: Ferrari Eyes Performance Upgrade for 499P Le Mans Hypercar
Following its triumphant win at the Le Mans 24 Hours, Ferrari is considering a performance upgrade for its 499P Le Mans Hypercar, which could be implemented before the end of the 2023 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season.
Ferdinando Cannizzo, technical director of Ferrari’s sportscar operations, revealed that the Italian manufacturer is exploring the possibility of exploiting the evo joker rules, which govern car development in the Hypercar class. During an interview, Cannizzo stated that while no specific timeline has been set, the upgrade could potentially be introduced as early as this year or as late as the start of the 2024 WEC season.
“We are thinking about introducing a joker this year or next year,” Cannizzo explained. “We haven’t made any decision yet, but we are further developing this joker because we’ve identified areas for improvement.”
Cannizzo acknowledged that Toyota, Ferrari’s main rival at Le Mans, had a performance edge in wet and mixed conditions, but the 499P was more competitive in dry conditions. “We know the areas we would like to improve,” he said. “We need to be much more competitive in all conditions — this race is a perfect lesson for us.”
Notably, Ferrari has yet to utilize one of the five evo jokers performance upgrades allowed to a manufacturer over the lifespan of a LMH or LMDh prototype. The team had initially considered introducing an upgrade for 2024 but opted against it ahead of the season-opener in Qatar in March. Cannizzo emphasized the importance of first “exploiting the potential of the base car” before applying for any jokers.
To take advantage of an evo joker, a manufacturer must submit an application to the WEC rule makers, the FIA and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. The take-up of evo jokers is not publicly disclosed, leaving the exact number of upgrades used by Toyota and Peugeot for their respective LMH cars unknown.
Ferrari’s potential upgrade could significantly impact the WEC 2023 calendar, which includes races at iconic circuits such as Monza, Spa-Francorchamps, and Fuji Speedway. As the season unfolds, fans and enthusiasts will be closely following the developments in the Hypercar class, particularly with regard to Ferrari’s 499P and its quest for continued dominance in the world of endurance racing.
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