Vanwall Set to Revitalize the Racing Scene with Bold WEC Comeback Plans!
Get ready for a high-octane revival in the world of endurance racing! After a two-year hiatus, British automotive brand Vanwall is gearing up to make a sensational return to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with a formidable hypercar that has undergone a comprehensive overhaul.
Vanwall, once a fierce competitor in the elite endurance series, has not been idle during its time out of the spotlight. The team, in collaboration with ByKolles Racing, has meticulously worked to address the numerous challenges faced during their tumultuous 2023 campaign in the Hypercar class. With the dust finally settling, the stage is set for what promises to be an exhilarating comeback.
In an exciting development, Vanwall has opted to replace its troublesome 4.5-litre naturally-aspirated Gibson V8 engine with a powerful 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 Pipo engine—the very same powerhouse featured in the renowned Glickenhaus SCG 007. This strategic move is just one part of a larger plan to enhance the Vandervell 680 LMH, which has seen extensive modifications aimed at optimizing performance.
The team has left no stone unturned, revamping critical aerodynamic and mechanical components to ensure the car can compete at the highest levels. Updates to air intakes and airflow management have been prioritized, alongside improvements in radiator and intercooler efficiency, all designed to maximize the performance boost from the new engine.
In a move that has electrified the motorsport community, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has opened the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) to LMH and LMDh prototypes, sparking renewed enthusiasm among manufacturers. This pivotal decision gives teams currently absent from the championship a golden opportunity to get back on track.
In a recent announcement, Vanwall has confirmed its intention to participate in the 2026-2027 Asian LMS season, offering a platform for private teams and bronze-rated drivers to experience the thrill of top-category prototypes. But that’s not all! The British brand has also expressed its ambition to re-enter the WEC by 2027, contingent upon approval from both the ACO and the FIA.
Colin Kolles, the team principal, emphasized the importance of lessons learned from their initial WEC campaign: “The careful performance analysis from our initial WEC campaign clearly identified important areas to improve. I am confident that the actions taken following the technical review and the latest modifications incorporated will bring significant on-track improvement.”
Kolles also highlighted the proactive discussions with the WEC and ACO regarding their return, stating, “Our support for the new 2026 ALMS Hypercar category is a clear statement of our intent and commitment to the future.”
In their only WEC season in 2023, Vanwall’s performance peaked with an eighth-place finish in the Hypercar class during the Sebring season opener, though they ultimately placed 30th overall. The team faced challenges with a rotating roster of drivers, with Esteban Guerrieri being the sole constant throughout the season.
As Vanwall prepares for this electrifying new chapter, the motorsport world eagerly anticipates the return of one of its legendary names. Buckle up—this is just the beginning of an exciting journey back to the top!
