Preparation levels for Porsche Penske Motorsport’s participation in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans have undergone substantial enhancements compared to last year’s debut, highlighted by driver Laurens Vanthoor as a “night-and-day” transformation. Vanthoor, aiming for Porsche’s 20th overall victory in the iconic endurance race, underscores the team’s evolution and determination for success.
Heading into the event, Vanthoor, alongside co-drivers Andre Lotterer and Kevin Estre in the No. 6 Porsche 963, leads the FIA World Endurance Championship after clinching victory in the season-opening Qatar 1812km race. Similarly, Felipe Nasr, piloting the No. 4 Porsche, sits atop the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship standings with co-driver Dane Cameron, following their triumph at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
This year’s momentum contrasts sharply with the challenges faced by the factory Hypercar squad twelve months ago, which encountered various setbacks during the grueling endurance race, resulting in a best finish of 16th overall.
Reflecting on the team’s progress, Vanthoor emphasized the substantial improvements in readiness, attributing advancements to both the team’s development and the car’s evolution. Lotterer echoed this sentiment, highlighting enhanced reliability and improved car performance as significant upgrades from the previous year.
The WEC and WeatherTech Championship operations, based in Mannheim, Germany, and Mooresville, N.C., respectively, have fortified their resources and made significant upgrades to bolster their competitiveness against formidable competitors like Toyota and Ferrari.
Jonathan Diuguid, managing director of Porsche Penske, noted the palpable shift in atmosphere within the team, with meticulous preparation evident in all aspects of operation.
Despite Porsche’s numerical advantage, boasting six 963s across factory and customer teams, including Hertz Team JOTA and Proton Competition, Vanthoor acknowledges the stiff competition and the potential of privateer entries to challenge for victory, as demonstrated by JOTA’s recent triumph at the 6 Hours of Spa.
While recognizing the competitive landscape, Vanthoor remains confident in Porsche Penske’s ability to contend for victory, expressing a readiness to face challenges from both sister works entries and customer teams alike.
As Porsche Penske Motorsport gears up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the team’s elevated level of preparedness and determination underscore their formidable presence on the endurance racing stage.
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