--WORLD SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON VII
--News From France & Italy
France and Italy both have a symbolic links with the WSC. Despite no confirmed french teams running the WSC as of now, France has long hosted the greatest event in the whole FRL - the Le Mans Classic. Over the past few years it has evolved into a 50 lap exhausting endurance for all drivers involved, a huge test. Times however are changing. At Circuit De La Sarthe it has been confirmed that the circuit is after 8 races being renovated. New lighting systems mean the race can now take place through the night, adding a new dynamic and challenge to an already gruelling event. However La Sarthe is also evolving in terms of safety. New renovations have re profiled and extended run off at Dunlop, Tetre Rouge, and the Ford Chicane. This also has led to the insertion of two chicanes down the Mulsanne - cars will still hit 200mph down the Mulsanne but the days of 3min 30 laps at 230mph are over. However there will still be a recognition of La Sarthes tradition - the colourful, noisy, and spectacular rolling start will remain. La Sarthe will also remain a double points event, however the pts may change in how they are awarded.
Ferrari have a deep history in the WSC. The 330P4 is arguably the most beautiful looking car to ever grace a race track, and returns after a re-development programme following the sabbatical of WSC VI when only only 1 old spec 330 was run by N.A.R.T. The GT-P class it races in will also be altered on specification, with less powerful engines expected, however this will increase fuel economy and mean longer stints across all tracks.
GTO class represents a new challenge for Ferrari - the 250GT is Ferrari's first entry not aimed at the top tier of WSC. Specs remain under wraps, but expected power of at least 300hp is a near-certainty as Ferrari aim for duel glory in the new WSC era.
On a final note, Monza is also understood to have returned to the WSC calendar.