Prodrive admits prototype return "very appealing now" amid WEC hypercar boom

Prodrive says a return to top-level prototype racing is “very appealing” amid a boom in endurance hypercars under the WEC’s Hypercar rules for LMH and LMDh. The British engineering firm is not currently in the Hypercar class, but remains involved in WEC competition through LMGT3, and the Aston Martin AMR-One (2011) is described as its last prototype at that top tier. Prodrive CEO David Richards told Motorsport.com it is exploring a possible manufacturer partnership to target outright wins at events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours, but he did not confirm a timeline. Richards said the series’ competitiveness and popularity have increased costs, and warned manufacturer participation may not be sustainable. He pointed to exits by Lamborghini, Acura’s planned end of its ARX-06 program, and Porsche leaving Hypercar for IMSA.