Mercedes-AMG Has No Plans On Racing The One Hypercar At Le Mans

Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers says there are no plans for the company’s upcoming AMG One hypercar to compete in the Le Mans hypercar class against the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

The launch of the One has been hit with delays and deliveries now aren’t expected to commence until 2021. While that date does line-up nicely for an entrance into the hypercar series, AMG boss Tobias Moers questioned the purpose of racing the One at Le Mans during an interview with Top Gear.

Also Watch: The Mercedes-AMG One Sounds Just Like An Actual F1 Racer!

“I’m really curious how that’s going to work,” he said regarding the new rules. “I know there’s engagement around the Valkyrie, I know customers have asked us if we’ll do that with Project One, but I’m curious at how such expensive cars will run in a special series under ‘Balance of Performance’ conditions”, he said.

“I don’t think that is the right way. I have concerns on one hand, while on the other I’m really excited to see those cars racing together. It’s an amazing situation. But investing such an amount of money in BoP-oriented racing? I’m not down with that for now.”

Racers competing in the new hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship must, according to the recently-formulated regulations, have a maximum weight of 1,100 kg (2425 lbs) and an output of 738 HP. Car manufacturers can choose whether or not they want their races to feature hybrid powertrains. Aston Martin has confirmed that the race-spec Valkyrie will rely solely on its Cosworth-developed V12 engine. In contrast, Toyota’s entry will be a hybrid.

Aston Martin inevitably sees the hypercar class as a way to promote the Valkyrie and help establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorsport. Mercedes-AMG has already done this with five consecutive world championships in Formula 1 and,evidently, doesn’t feel it is necessary to compete in endurance racing.