A statement said: "After five years of participating in IMSA's DPi series, Mazda is opting to end its programme at the close of the 2021 season with the Motul Petit Le Mans race in October.

“This was determined after an internal assessment of the current DPi series and the future LMDh series, and concludes Mazda's participation in prototype racing. “Starting in 2022, Mazda will focus its motorsports efforts on MX-5 Cup and grassroots racing.

sports car racing The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) is a North American sports car racing sanctioning body based in Daytona Beach, Florida under the jurisdiction of the ACCUS arm of the FIA.

In the intervening years, the track has hosted Can-Am, Trans-Am, Formula 5000, USRRC, IMSA GT, IndyCar (Champ Car), American Le Mans Series, Grand-Am, Superbike World Championship and MotoGP motorcycle races and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

Mazda was found to have improperly tested 72 cars dating back to November 2014, Yamaha was found to have 7 from January 2016. Kiyotaka Shobuda, Mazda's senior managing executive officer, told reporters that Mazda's actions were not deliberate and the improper inspections had not affected the quality of their cars.

Indeed, it has been suggested the noise led to the 787B being banned, however the truth is simply that it was the victim of the changes in regulation. At Le Mans, reliability is key. Mazda were confident in the reliability of their engine, and the 5 speed Porsche gearbox it was mated to was also known to be reliable.

“With a view to the current corporate situation in connection with the Coronavirus pandemic, it is only logical for Porsche Motorsport to make a contribution to coping with the economic fallout. We've openly discussed our exit with all involved.

Today, IMSA follows the FIA Group GT3 format and rules, including dividing GTD into two categories: GTD PRO and GTD. The amateur class allows only bronze- and silver-rated drivers to compete; GTD PRO is for the experienced gold- and platinum-rated drivers.

Maximum legal weight for a DPi car is just over 2000 pounds. Depending on the track, this class can hit speeds of 200 mph and is allowed to use one of two IMSA-specific, semi-confidential Michelin tires: a hard or a medium compound.

Sadly we'll never see F1 race at Laguna seca. Quite apart from the fact there will be three Grands Prix in the USA from 2023, Laguna is known as a 'Type 2' track, and Formula 1, with its strict safety regulations, requires 'Type 1'.

Laguna Seca Modern F1 cars could run at this circuit, although the track is not licensed to hold F1 races. We provide food and beverages throughout the day.

Indeed, it has been suggested the noise led to the 787B being banned, however the truth is simply that it was the victim of the changes in regulation. At Le Mans, reliability is key. Mazda were confident in the reliability of their engine, and the 5 speed Porsche gearbox it was mated to was also known to be reliable.