McLaren could enter WEC hypercar prototype during 2020/21 season

The British manufacturer previously said it was "highly unlikely" it would be on the grid in 2020/21 and has ruled out joining the category from its start in September '20, but McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown has revealed that an entry over the course of the first season is "in discussion".

"It is definitely something we are evaluating, although I wouldn't call it a plan yet," Brown told Autosport.

Le Mans 24 Hours organiser and WEC promoter the Automobile Club de l'Ouest is understood to be pushing manufacturers looking to enter the category to be ready for the 2021 edition of the race.

Brown would not comment on this, but said McLaren would be unlikely to give a debut to a new car at Le Mans.

"It would be risky to make our debut at the Le Mans 2021, so we would need to be ready a race or two beforehand," he said.

"Whether we are ready to go racing in April or May 2021 depends on how quickly we can make a decision."

Brown explained that the publication of the technical regulations for the WEC's new top class early this month had brought a McLaren decision closer.

He would not put a firm timeline on the decision-making process, but said he hoped that a yes or a no would most likely come in the first half of 2019.

"We are closer to a decision now that the rules are final," he said.

"We are pleased with the way they have ended up, so the ball is now in our court and we're hard on it.

"There are lots of things to consider: we have to put it together technically and fiscally, and we have to consider Formula 1, which will remain our priority."

It is understood that entrants joining the hypercar class at the end of the season would not be eligible for points.

McLaren Automotive, which has established a new racing department over the past year, was one of at least six car makers actively involved in the formulation of the hypercar concept class.

Toyota, Aston Martin, Ferrari, BMW and Ford were other participants.