2014 Silly Season Update: GTE-Am

The FIA WEC GTE-Am championship came down to the last race of the season this year, and only some details are beginning to become clear for 2014.

With a new driver classification system requiring at least one Bronze-rated driver, it has resulted in most driver lineups still yet to be confirmed.

Additionally, brand-new cars are currently not allowed in the class, but the situation could change next year, as the Porsche 911 RSR, running to the configuration seen in Bahrain, will be allowed to compete and the Corvette C7.R could also be be allowed through a waiver.

Here’s a look at the expected GTE-Am entries for the 2014 season. (en Français)

Expected:

Proton Competition: Present this year with a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the family run team is interested in the new 911 RSR, which will be eligible for GTE-Am. However, team principal Christian Ried has made it clear that they are a few weeks away from finalizing their 2014 program. Could it be for FIA WEC, ELMS or both? (1 car)

Aston Martin Racing: It would be surprising not to see a GTE-Am Vantage in 2014, although Roald Goethe confirmed at the Gulf 12 Hours that he has been tempted by a European program. David Heinemeier Hansson, who has tested a GTE-spec Vantage on two occasions, wishes to continue on the world’s stage. Young Driver AMR has not yet confirmed its 2014 program, but Danish team is likely tempted by a new FIA WEC campaign. (1-2 cars)

AF Corse: The Amato Ferrari-led team plans to continue in the “Am” class although it has yet to finalize a lineup. François Perrodo and Manu Collard were impressive in Bahrain but nothing has been confirmed for 2014. Newly crowned Asian Le Mans Series champion Steve Wyatt is also understood to be evaluating a potential step up to the world’s stage. If both programs come together, it could result in a two-car effort. (1 or 2 cars).

Ram Racing: Alongside its commitment in GTE-Pro, the 2013 European Le Mans Series champions are expected to enter a second Ferrari 458 Italia, with Briton Johnny Mowlem leading the driver lineup. (1 car)

Possible:

ProSpeed Competition: After a season in the ELMS this year, the Rudi Penders-led team  hasn’t hidden their ambitions for 2014. While a new 911 RSR is being evaluated, the team’s existing 911 GT3 RSR could be used for Perrodo/Collard if the duo decides to go with the Belgian squad and not AF Corse. The third driver could be Maxime Soulet, but his recent upgrade to Gold driver status changes everything. (1 car?)

Larbre Competition: The remains a question mark on the Poitiers, France-based team. Team owner Jack Leconte would like to run the new Corvette C7.R, but it’s currently not eligible for GTE-Am competition. The team could return to its roots, although there is little desire to do so. Given his recent statements, it’s unlikely Patrick Bornhauser will return for a third WEC season. It’s believed Larbre is exploring other series for 2014. (1 car?)

Not Returning:

IMSA Performance Matmut: Rookies in the FIA WEC this year, it’s unlikely the Rouen, France-based team will be on the grid in 2014. Currently a French GT Championship program has been confirmed and we can legitimately think that its Porsche 911 GT3 RSR will take part in the ELMS in order to guarantee an entry to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Krohn Racing: The famous lime green Ferrari will be absent next season in the FIA WEC on a full-time basis but team owner Tracy Krohn has not drawn a compete line on the series. The team could return in 2015, but in LMP2. In the meantime, look for Krohn to contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

8Star Motorsports: Despite winning the GTE-Am teams’ championship, the 8Star Motorsports name is not expected to return, although team owner Enzo Potolicchio is likely to find a ride as a driver in GTE-Am, especially considering his new Bronze status.

Projected Totals

Expected: 4-6 cars
Possible: 2 additional cars