Porsche Motorsport chief Thomas Laudenbach indicated that the initiative to unify the FIA, the ACO and IMSA under a single set of premier technical rules could influence Porsche’s considerations about a potential return to the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar category in 2030.
Unveiled last week at the annual ACO media briefing in Le Mans, the draft framework for the new regulations—still awaiting finalization—calls for shared chassis guidelines, a ban on four-wheel drive configurations, and room for manufacturers to craft their own bespoke chassis and/or hybrid systems, while aiming to deliver performance levels in line with the current LMDh-derived machinery that may be retained to some extent from the existing platform.
Laudenbach, who was among the first manufacturers to advocate for a single platform several years ago, described the development as steering things in a favorable direction while noting other conditions must be met before a comeback to the world championship’s top tier can be considered.
“The move to drop LMH and LMDh is, without question, a very positive step in our view,” he told selected reporters, including Sportscar365, last weekend.
“There must be additional boundary conditions fulfilled. But we’re watching this process closely and, as a clear statement, we have never turned our back on Le Mans.
“We chose to step away after 2025. We are following that course. We’re contributing our input for what lies ahead and the direction is going the right way.”
Laudenbach confirmed that the evolving rules will factor into a future Hypercar program decision.
“It will play a role,” he said. “There were reasons for pausing our involvement. If you’re contemplating a return, a number of aspects must be weighed.”
“Of course, one consideration is, ‘What about the technical regulations? How is the series structured?’
“Yes, we recognize the benefit of having a single set of technical rules. The extent of its influence depends on other factors as well.”
He added: “The overall trajectory looks positive. The key point is to operate under a unified rulebook. Essentially, we won’t be pursuing LMH or LMDh anymore. I think that’s a sensible move.”
“I also see merit in nudging the direction closer to LMDh, with no four-wheel drive, to simplify the car and help control costs,” he continued. “That seems like the right course for sustainability.”
“It’s beneficial. We’ve provided that feedback,” he noted.
“But it is far too early to discuss specifics because there are no detailed provisions yet.”
“There remain a multitude of items to define. Naturally, teams could develop their own hybrid system, so how that will be described remains to be seen. The objective has to be that no advantage is gained from it.”
“The same applies to bespoke chassis. From what I understand, everyone will need to construct a new chassis due to safety regulations, which is acceptable.”
“It’s a constructive path forward, but the work is only beginning.”
Laudenbach Rules Out WEC Hypercar Return for 2027
While Roger Penske has previously voiced ambitions to bring Porsche back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans before the decade ends—a goal that would necessitate a full-season WEC effort—Laudenbach has already dismissed any such program for the coming year.
“We’re aware of Penske’s wish,” he said. “The only thing I can state clearly is that we have made a decision, and that decision stands. There isn’t more to add at this moment.”
“Never say never. This is only the third race [of the first Hypercar season without Porsche running in the class]. We don’t have any new decision or development.”
“Do not expect us to be present next year.”
Laudenbach, however, reiterated Porsche’s factory commitment to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship through at least the end of the 2027 season.
