Isotta Fraschini quits WEC immediately

The small Italian team had already suffered a difficult birth, switching from the Vector Sport team with which it had planned to enter the WEC, to Duqueine at the last minute. It now cites difficulties with the latter as one of its reasons to end the season for its Tipo6-C car early.

The team had run a single car for Isotta Fraschini this year, with the manufacturer making promising sounds about returning with a second car in 2025. But the programme had seemed to struggle for real funding from the start. Very little in-season testing was able to be carried out, leaving Isotta struggling to make progress, and its driver line-up left a lot to be desired. Long-time touring car racer Jean-Karl Vernay brought some experience, but team-mates Antionio Serravalle and Carl Wattana Bennett, between them had very little success to draw from.

Now a top finish of 14^th (13^th in class) at Le Mans will remain the team's best result. In a statement released with the news Isotta Fraschini said: “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."

“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.”

Recently joined CEO Miguel Valldecabres added a note of hope for the return in 2025, adding: “We are immensely proud of our achievements in our debut season. Competing in the WEC has been an incredible honour and experience, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans being a particular highlight."

“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.

“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.”

As well as the race car, Isotta Fraschini had revealed a road-going version of the Tipo6-C and shown images of it testing on public roads. It was also showcased at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June. No word has been given on how the end of the racing effort, for now at least, affects the future of the road car.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.