24h Le Mans
The prestigious Italian luxury carmaker is preparing its big return to racing with a Tipo 6 LMH-C Hypercar prepared by Michelotto Engineering.
Isotta Fraschini was founded in Milan in 1900. The marque initially made a name for itself producing high-end automobiles, then focused on manufacturing industrial engines under the name Isotta Fraschini Motori. As the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship season approaches, the constructor is gearing up to compete in the Hypercar category with one Tipo 6 LMH-C.
The Hypercar's chassis, compliant with the LMH regulations, is being developed in the workshops of renowned Italian racing car preparer Michelotto Engineering. The aerodynamics of the Tipo 6 LMH-C were honed in the Williams wind tunnel in the U.K. The car is equipped with a 3-litre direct injection, turbocharged V6 engine with 700 hp (the hybrid system installed on the front axle adds 270 hp).
To run the Tipo 6 LMH-C, the Italian marque has chosen Duqueine, the veteran LMP2 team competing in the European Le Mans Series for the last several years. The French outfit finished third in the category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary in June.
The Isotta Fraschini Tipo 6 LMH-C Hypercar first hit the track at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy on 11 April and has since executed multiple testing sessions. The Italian constructor has already confirmed drivers Jean-Karl Vernay and Alejandro Garcia for the only car the marque will field in the FIA WEC next year. Garcia (age 20) won the LMP3 title in the 2023 European Le Mans Series with COOL Racing.
Understandably, 2024 will be a learning curve year for Isotta Fraschini. The Tipo 6 LMH-C is expected to improve in performance and reliability across the season's races, and the Italian carmaker is hoping to impress in the Hypercar category.
