When the A.C.O. launched the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup late 2009 many in the endurance racing community applauded the initiative but only a few committed to participate. With races scheduled on three continents, the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup is meant to be a global, high end event, reserved to LMP1 prototypes. Only three races are scheduled for 2010 but the A.C.O. says there will be at least six in 2011 and the number is supposed to grow. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the A.C.O.’s long term goal to claim some Formula 1 territory and that might just work if they manage to secure enough media coverage and if they manage to keep the series clean.
Another important factor for the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup to succeed is to secure enough prestigious participants, and that’s where things don’t go so well, yet. While Audi announced their support immediately, committing to send their R15 Plus to all three races, Peugeot say that while the creation of the global series is the right thing to do and they support the initiative they are more likely not to participate this first season. Their priority for 2010 is the development of a new car and winning the 24 Hours Of Le Mans 2010.
Among the private teams, Kolles from Le Mans Series and Drayson Racing from the the American Le Mans Series have announced plans to participate. Hugues de Chaunac, the Oreca boss said the new series is great news but didn’t make any commitment.
While things don’t look very bright at the moment, the Intercontinental will only debut in September at Silverstone, so teams have nine more months to secure funding and enlist.