Mazda has been a part of the IMSA’s high Prototype class since 2014 and launched the present RT24-P challenger in 2017, however has reduce to a single automobile for the 2021 season.
The present DPi laws used within the collection’ high class will likely be changed by the LMDh class that has been formulated collectively by IMSA and the FIA World Endurance Championship with 2023, with Audi and Porsche having already pledged their assist.
Whereas not one of the three present DPi producers – Acura, Cadillac and Mazda – have formally dedicated to LMDh, Acura has signalled a agency intention to take action final yr after signing offers with new buyer groups Wayne Taylor Racing and Meyer Shank Racing.
Jarvis says he needs to know “eventually” from Mazda’s North American motorsport boss Nelson Cosgrove if the model is prone to launch an LMDh programme that might contain an try at including to its sole Le Mans triumph with the enduring 787B in 1991.
“Transferring again to at least one automobile is unlucky, nevertheless it’s an indication of what’s occurring around the globe,” Jarvis instructed Motorsport.com. “Everybody has needed to make cutbacks.
“I’m hoping it’s short-term and I’d like to see Mazda return to 2 automobiles, however extra importantly decide to the brand new [LMDh] laws. That’s a dialogue I’ll be having with Nelson inside the subsequent couple of months.
“With the bulletins from Audi and Porsche, and extra within the pipeline, it will be good to be get an understanding of Mazda’s intentions sooner moderately than later.”
Jarvis says he’s looking forward to a return to combating for general victories within the Le Mans 24 Hours, having made 5 successive begins as a works LMP1 driver for Audi from 2012-16.
Since then, the 37-year-old has made two appearances at La Sarthe within the LMP2 division, coming near profitable the race outright with Jackie Chan DC Racing in 2017, and a single outing in a GTE class Ferrari for Risi Competizione in 2019.
“I used to be very lucky to be concerned in the course of the ‘golden period’ of LMP1, and on the time we didn’t realise it will be so short-lived,” Jarvis mentioned. “They are saying motorsport goes in cycles, however I’m stunned how shortly it has rebounded, if I’m sincere.
“You’ve already acquired three hypercars [Toyota, Peugeot and Glickenhaus], and the [Audi and Porsche] LMDh bulletins, and I feel there will likely be many extra. I feel we might be taking a look at eight producers in 2023 at Le Mans. I’d like to be there once more.”
Jarvis’s new full-time teammate for the 2021 marketing campaign, Harry Tincknell, mentioned for his half he was “very hopeful” that Mazda is getting ready to green-light an LMDh venture of his personal.
Volker Weidler, Johnny Herbert, Bertrand Gachot, Mazda 787B
Picture by: Motorsport Images
“When it comes to having the ability to return to Le Mans and battle for the win general and in inexpensive method, it’s excellent news,” mentioned Tincknell. “Mazda received in 1991 and I do know they’re eager to return sooner or later. You’d say represents the right alternative.
“I’m nonetheless personally ready to listen to all of the plans, however this [reducing to one car] is a part of preparations for 2023. I’m very hopeful that, as sportscar racing turns into massive once more within the high class, Mazda will likely be part of it and will likely be on the entrance.”
Tincknell added that the downturn in entries for the present DPi class, which includes simply six full-time automobiles in 2021 (down from eight in 2020), was little shock given the necessity for producers to focus sources on future LMDh initiatives.
He mentioned: “We’re nonetheless solely in 2021, so there’s all the time going to be that lull interval, as a result of why would you make investments massively in one thing that’s on its method out, when the factor that’s coming goes to be very aggressive? I can see the reasoning behind it.”
#1 Chip Ganassi Racing Cadillac DPi: Renger van der Zande, Scott Dixon, Marcus Ericsson, Kevin Magnussen, #55 Mazda Motorsports Mazda DPi: Oliver Jarvis, Jonathan Bomarito, Harry Tincknell
Picture by: Richard Dole / Motorsport Images
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