The 12 Hours of Sebring to Have 30 Entries this Year, ACO De-Emphasizes Race

The ACO has confirmed a 30 car entry for the 12 Hours of Sebring that will run from March 12-17. The field is made up of 9 LMP1s, 9 LMP2s, 5 LMGTE Pro cars and 7 LMGTE Am cars. 

Audi has three cars entered in LMP1 and is the only factory team there. The car it is using is the old R18, not the new R18 Hybrid that will be revealed on February 29. The other new car in the lineup this year is the HPD ARX-03a, which will be campaigned by Strakka Racing and JRM. There are also two Toyota-powered, Lola coupes and two Pescarolo Judds.

Like at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, Nissan dominated LMP2 competition. Of the nine cars, six of them are Nissan-powered. The other cars are Judd-powered Morgan, Lotus-powered Lola and the HPD ARX-03b. 

Ferrari dominates LMGTE Pro this year at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Of the five cars entered, three of them are Ferraris. The other two cars are a Porsche 911 RSR and Aston Martin Vantage V8. 

Ferrari is also the most popular team in LMGTE Am. Of the seven teams, three of Ferraris. There are also two 911 RSRs and two Corvettes in the class. 

Due to a rule change this year to favor the Audi and Toyota hybrids, LMP1 teams will only have to count their six highest scores in their World Endurance Championship, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans must be one of them. The gives LMP1 teams the ability to skip two rounds in the WEC if they choose to, as long as they race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This is why spectators will not see the Audi or Toyota hybrids at Sebring. 

It is understandable that the ACO would create a rule to benefit its two largest factory prototype teams. Unfortunately that rule change has meant that American spectators will not get to see the newest and best cars this year.

The Audi R18 Hybrid and Toyota TS030 will not see their first competition until the 6 Hours of Spa on May 5.  

You can view an entire entry list with team names and drivers here.