24h Le Mans
Pleased with the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) regulations announced for 2020, Zak Brown - McLaren Racing CEO and co-owner of LMP2 team United Autosports - has confirmed great interest on behalf of the British marque, but would like to take a closer look before offering a commitment.
What do you think of the 2020-2024 regulations?
"The regulations are fine. We were part of the thought process with the ACO and were therefore able to express our preferences. We're satisfied with the outcome. Obviously, this has yet to be ratified and we are not yet into the details. Once those have been worked out, the next step for us will be to do a rigorous study of the cost and resources such a program will require. Obviously we will not want to compromise our F1 program in any way. If the project is viable financially, and if we believe we have a chance to win, it can only be a good thing for our marque. If everything comes together, it's certainly something we will consider very seriously. We'll have to move fast. To be ready for 2020, we'll have to decide before the end of this year."
Will evaluating such a program, as well as possibly participating in the Indycar Series, while keeping up with the steady schedule of F1 Grand Prix pose a problem?
"Those involved in the F1 program will remain focused on F1. We're not going to take from one department to staff another. McLaren has the capacity to decide on a budget and set up the necessary human and technical resources without affecting the integrity of the F1 structure. That's not a problem."
Would possible participation in the FIA WEC and/or Indy be off the table temporarily if the F1 team returns to the forefront of the discipline?
"We're a big company that can afford this type of thing. We're able to compartmentalize our programs. If we participate in these championships, they will be independent one from the other. If the time is right to get involved in the WEC and/or Indy, that has nothing to do with our F1 program. I can understand the questions it raises, but, believe me, our organization allows us to manage multiple programs without any disruption."
When it comes down to it, who will make the decision for McLaren?
"The regulations are headed in the right direction, but the important factor is the budget. It's a crucial element, estimated at around 25 million dollars. You cannot exceed the budget, so you have to be able to control costs."
PHOTO: Zak Brown, co-owner of United Autosports and CEO of McLaren Racing, at the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans.
