The world of endurance racing could soon undergo a radical transformation with the arrival of Chinese giants Chery and Lynk & Co. While Chery charts its roadmap to the peaks of Hypercar, Lynk & Co is reinventing itself after an unexpected withdrawal from the TCR World Tour. On the horizon, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest may well witness the emergence of a new Chinese era at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Chery plans a major infrastructure project
For now, Chinese brands have yet to establish themselves on the international automobile scene, but that could change very quickly. At the opening of the Asian Le Mans Series season in Sepang, Chery, the fourth largest Chinese car manufacturer, unveiled an ambitious five-year plan that could propel them to the top.
At the heart of this strategy is the premium brand EXEED, founded in 2017. With a history that began in 1997 for Chery Automobile, the stated goal is to become the first Chinese manufacturer to aim for victory in the Hypercar category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This ambitious project is based on three key stages.
It is essential to note that Chery signed an agreement with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) on December 13, which goes well beyond a simple branding operation. Part of this “large-scale collaboration” includes the development of a certified Le Mans circuit in Wuhu, Anhui, where the group’s headquarters is located. This circuit is expected to serve as a testing ground to demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of future models that will enter the European market.
Lynk & Co: from TCR success to Hypercar?
At the same time, Lynk & Co, the sporting spearhead of the Geely group (also owner of Volvo and Polestar), is reorganizing its priorities. After shining in the TCR World Tour, where Cyan Racing clinched three drivers’ titles and four manufacturers’ titles, the brand announced a change of direction. Instead of continuing with the Lynk & Co 03, Cyan Racing will turn to the Geely Preface starting in 2026, thus ending the Lynk & Co era in touring cars.
In the midst of this transition, Lynk & Co made waves on social media with an announcement that generated a lot of buzz: “Lynk & Co will expand its activities, moving from circuit racing to rallying and endurance racing, thus testing the overall performance of its vehicles.” While we do not yet know if this will involve GT3, prototypes, or both, rumors about Geely’s ambitions at Le Mans have been circulating for several years. Lynk & Co is on track to become one of the most recognized Chinese automotive brands in the West.
Multiple TCR champion Yann Ehrlacher is also preparing for the demands of endurance racing with a participation in LMP2 for ARC Bratislava at the Asian Le Mans Series. His classic path to a high-level program begins here, although his previous prototype experience is limited to outings in LMP3 between 2016 and 2019.
Towards a Chinese WEC?
If these two projects come to fruition, it could disrupt the current landscape of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Currently, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz and Tata Motors, the parent company of Jaguar Land Rover, all major traditional automotive groups are present in the Hypercar category. However, China is redefining the global automotive market at a dizzying pace and is now preparing to extend its influence into motorsport.
Historically, China did not have a deeply rooted automotive culture, outside of Macau. Yet, this sport is rapidly developing thanks to events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Shanghai, which also hosted the WEC until 2019. If Chery and Lynk & Co’s projects materialize, especially Chery’s which heavily invests in infrastructure, the investment could surpass that of all manufacturers currently engaged and radically transform the political landscape of motorsport.
A new dynamic for motorsport
The recent withdrawal of Porsche from the Hypercar category has left a significant void in the WEC landscape. The rise of Chinese brands could well fill this gap, bringing a new dynamic to a competition that needs a breath of fresh air. The efforts of Chery and Lynk & Co can be seen as a bold response to the current challenges in motorsport, highlighting the innovation and ambition of an industry in full transformation.
With these developments, it would not be surprising if the 24 Hours of Le Mans becomes the stage for an exciting battle between traditional brands and new Chinese entrants. The upcoming period could very well be one where endurance racing takes a decisive turn, and where Chinese manufacturers emerge as key players on the global stage.
As we eagerly await the outcome of this saga, one thing is certain: the future of motorsport will be shaped by these newcomers who are not lacking in boldness and ambition.
