WEC and IMSA Extend Hypercar, LMDh Rules Through 2032

The World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship are extending the life of the current Hypercar and LMDh rules until the end of 2032. This update was announced ahead of the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours by the organizers, including the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, FIA, and IMSA.

The extension means Le Mans Hypercars, first introduced in 2021, will now compete under the same rules for 12 consecutive seasons. LMDh cars, a newer hybrid prototype class, will also stay eligible for at least 10 years, giving manufacturers stability and protecting their investments.

ACO president Pierre Fillon explained that the decision is focused on keeping costs manageable and maintaining a steady rulebook. Teams and manufacturers now have a longer window to race and promote their cars without worrying about rapid regulation changes.

While the official news did not include all details, organizers expect to work out specifics by the end of 2025. Technical director Thierry Bouvet said discussions will continue about the technical rules, especially where there are differences between LMH and LMDh cars in both series.

Another development is that from the 2026-27 season, pro-am Hypercar crews will be allowed to join the Asian Le Mans Series for the first time. This will create a new top class above the LMP2, LMP3, and GT3 groups already competing.

Series organizer Stephane Ratel shared optimism that six Hypercars could join in the first year, following interest from both teams and drivers. Asian sportscar racing has seen growth recently, especially in grid sizes for the Asian Le Mans Series and GT World Challenge Asia.

On the LMP2 front, the next generation of cars will arrive in 2028. French constructors ORECA and Ligier have won the manufacturing tender, following a bid process that included Lola and Tatuus.

For the next cycle, only two manufacturers are approved, while previously there were four. ORECA has dominated recent years, as the only brand fielded by most teams.

The engine supplier, Gibson, will provide a new direct-injection twin-turbo V6. This motor will have 420kW (about 560 horsepower) and be able to run 14,000 kilometers between major rebuilds, up from the current normally aspirated V8 engine.

These updates provide clarity for teams and mean manufacturers now have a long-term path to develop and race their Hypercar and LMDh models. Stability in rules lets automakers and private teams plan for the future, building new programs and supporting current efforts in global sportscar racing.

With recent announcements, the future of top-level prototype endurance racing remains strong, with growth expected in both Europe and Asia in the coming years.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.