BYD Exploring WEC Entry Amid Increased Chinese Interest

Photo: BYD

BYD is exploring options to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship and/or Formula 1, according to a report by Bloomberg, in an effort to boost its brand’s exposure globally.

The Chinese auto giant, which is the world’s largest EV manufacturer and overtook Ford in global vehicle sales in 2025, is understood to be targeting the sale of 1.3 to 1.6 million units overseas by the end of this year, following the opening of factories in Hungary, Brazil and Thailand, in addition to a potential entry into Canada.

According to Bloomberg, BYD is looking at several options amid motorsports’ shift towards hybrid technology, with both the WEC and F1 are understood to be on the radar.

While not currently active in motorsports, BYD’s high-end Yangwang brand recently broke several records in Europe, with the all-electric U9 Xtreme model recording a top speed of more than 308 mph at the ATP test track in Papenburg Germany, with Marc Basseng at the wheel (pictured above).

The car also achieved a new lap record for an electric super sports car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife late last year.

Of note, BYD had a presence with its road car lineup in fan villages at several WEC events last year.

BYD’s interest in the WEC follows news that Chery Group, with its EXEED brand, has signaled intentions of joining ACO-rules racing and make its 24 Hours of Le Mans debut within the next five years.

Additionally, Geely-owned Lynk and Co., which is already active in TCR competition, has published statements on entering endurance racing as well.

The FIA and ACO have yet to officially acknowledge any of the Chinese automakers’ intentions, which are all understood to be either in the evaluation or early planning phases.

It comes amid the backdrop of a proposed set of unified top-class technical regulations that are due to roll out in the WEC and potentially the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, in 2030.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John