The FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is rolling out exciting changes for its 2025 season, particularly within the LMGT3 class. A significant modification is the introduction of the Hyperpole format, which brings Silver drivers prominently to the fore. Previously, the battle for starting positions was solely the domain of the Bronze drivers, but now, Silver drivers will play a pivotal role alongside their Bronze counterparts.
This new regulation, effective for all races except for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans—which has its own qualifying rules—will see the top 10 fastest drivers from the qualifying round move on to the Hyperpole session. It is during this phase of the competition where Silver drivers will truly shine. The stakes are high; not only will they be racing for pole positions and the accompanying championship points, but they will also compete to determine who among them can secure the fastest lap. This introduction of head-to-head competition among Silver drivers marks a first for the FIA WEC.
Among the notable contenders, Sean Gelael of United Autosports 95 stands out. Acknowledged as the Brand Ambassador for Pertamax Turbo, he’s ready to showcase his skills against 17 other racers. "Sean will go all out to claim the pole position against 17 other drivers, including teammate Sebastien Baud," noted insiders familiar with the competitive dynamics of the races.
Silver drivers have gained increased visibility with names like Valentino Rossi and Rahel Frey making headlines. Rossi, the legend of MotoGP, transitioned to FIA WEC last year and has become the center of attention, not only because of his illustrious past but also due to the challenges he faces on the race track. Meanwhile, Frey stands out as the only female Silver driver, known for her impressive record, having claimed pole position seven times, albeit through her Bronze teammate Sarah Bovy.
Frey’s performance indicates the fierce level of talent present among Silver drivers, now racing under more equal circumstances with Bronze drivers. She will be racing for Iron Dames 85, driving the champion Porsche this upcoming season. This year also welcomes new talent to the Silver category, with four rookie drivers including Eduardo Barrichello, the son of Formula 1 legend Rubens Barrichello, and Jonny Edgar, Lin Hodenius, and Finn Gehrsitz—all poised to make their mark on the championship.
The opening race at Lusail Circuit, Qatar, promises to bring these changes to life. Set to run on February 27, 2025, the Qatar 1812KM race will be broadcasted on the YouTube channel KUY Entertainment and the official website of Sean Gelael, initiating the new era of WEC racing.
The Hyperpole format not only enhances the excitement of the race weekends but also broadens the competitiveness of the WEC as also depicted through Rossi's and Frey's entries. By integrating Silver drivers more actively, the FIA WEC aims to cultivate more engaging races and provide thrilling experiences for fans and competitors alike.
This evolution within the FIA World Endurance Championship is expected to change the dynamics of qualifying and racing strategies, making it one of the most talked-about seasons on the calendar. With racing veterans and new contenders eager to demonstrate their skills, the 2025 season is poised to be nothing short of thrilling.