Isotta Fraschini quits World Endurance Championship after five races · RaceFans

Isotta Fraschini has announced its immediate departure from the World Endurance Championship.

The Italian manufacturer cited difficulties with the Duqueine team, which has run its Tipo6-C Le Mans Hypercar in the championship.

“Isotta Fraschini Milano Fabbrica Automobili has announced its immediate withdrawal from the 2024 World Endurance Championship season as there are no longer any conditions to continue the partnership with the French team Duqueine,” said the team in a statement.

“Following a productive debut season, highlighted by a successful finish at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car brand has decided to redirect its resources toward restructuring its motorsports program and expanding its track and road car initiatives.

“Isotta Fraschini extends its heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, drivers, partners, and fans for their unwavering support throughout this inaugural season. The company also thanks the WEC and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) for their support and hopes for a possible return in the near future.”

The team entered the series this season with a single car shared by Jean-Karl Vernay, Antonio Serravalle and Carl Bennett. They achieved a best finish of 14th at the Le Mans 24 Hours but retired from the most recent race at Interlagos last month with an electrical problem. They lie ninth in the Hypercar constructors’ championship with no points.

Changes occured at the team earlier this year when team boss Claudio Berro was replaced by CEO Miguel Valldecabres. The struggling team was also facing a need to expand to a two-car effort next year in order to comply with the WEC’s rules.

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Valldecabres said the manufacturer was “immensely proud of our achievements” over the first five races of the season.

“This very difficult decision has not been made lightly, but it allows us to build on our successes, fostering the growth of our brand and the development of our products in both the racing and Hypercar markets,” he said.

“As a new manufacturer with great ambitions, not continuing in the WEC 2024 season is a strategic obligation to conserve our resources and ensure the continuity of our project.

“Despite this difficult setback, we are excited about the future. Our journey as a performance brand continues, and we are eager to achieve new milestones.”