Amongst the flurry of news from the annual IMSA ‘State of the Sport presentation at Road Atlanta today came comments from IMSA President John Doonan, in a post-presentation media ‘huddle’ on the recently announced extended deal between the FIA and ACO over the regulatory framework behind, and the organisation and promotion of FIA WEC through 2037.
In answer to a question as to whether statements made in the FIA/ ACO press release over Hypercar homologation changed anything from what was agreed upon back in June with IMSA, Doonan replied:
“No, not at all. In fact, our relationship with the ACO is strong and is going to get stronger. So more to come on an extension of that relationship, I think.
“We announced convergence with the ACO back in 2020. That will continue, and so in terms of the process of homologation, the FIA is a homologating authority, and IMSA will absolutely be involved in that process. ACO is our partner and will be long-term, and the ACO, as the homologating authority, will be focused on that process.”
Doonan further confirmed that the revised process would be no different from that undertaken at present with LMDh.
How impactful is that 10-year extension from the IMSA side? Surely, adding up the momentum and the trajectory this is on, having stability must be good news for you?
“Yeah, you just said the word.
“I think we have focused on stability over the last six to seven years with partnerships and relationships with the ACO. And, for me, stability for the sport is a good thing, and I think it just makes the overall sport stronger, gives participants, OEMs, tire companies, members of the of the press the knowledge that this is going to be here for a long time to come, and gives all of us hope for the future and a longer runway for planning.”
