GTE Pro qualifying races possible for 2018 WEC

The FIA WEC could adopt a new qualifying format for the GTE Pro class, with a sprint race held to decide the grid, as early as next year, according to FIA WEC CEO Gerard Neveu.

During a roundtable discussion with selected media outlets, which included RACER, Neveu explained that the addition of sprint races for the factory teams in the GTE Pro class would "upgrade the show" for fans.

"The idea is not new – we've been looking at it for about a year," he said. "We investigated with the manufacturers as soon as GTE Pro was granted world championship status, but the process to put it in the sporting regulations takes a lot of time. That's good though, because you need to take into consideration all the parameters surrounding a rule change like that."

Neveu then went on to explain that the change was not possible in time for the start of this season, though it could be introduced as early as next year if it is approved by the parties involved in the discussion.

"It was not possible for 2017 because we needed to investigate all the different parameters, and that's the reason why this is now between the people from the sporting and technical working group and the manufacturers," Neveu continued. "If there's still an optimistic view from the partners, it will be introduced for '18.

"Yes, the idea is to do something different, and something very attractive," he added, when asked if the races would be for all the regular six-hour WEC races outside of the Le Mans 24 Hours. "You have to update the show for the fans on-site and on TV."

Details on the length of the races, and the format for the proposed changes have yet to be revealed. "The format is still under investigation," he stressed.

The FIA WEC's GTE Pro class has grown exponentially in recent years, with the class championship receiving world championship status this year, coinciding with the return of Porsche as a factory GTE team and the announcement that BMW would be entering the fray in 2018.

RACER understands that multiple other manufacturers are also known to be considering entering the manufacturer-led class in the coming years.