Porsche set to have a big presence at Le Mans – 24 Hours 2016
Le Mans 24-hour, the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship takes place this weekend June 18 and 19, 2016. Expectations are high that Porsche can continue its winning streak coming out of the race this weekend.
Going into the race, the trio of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani, and Marc Lieb lead the drivers’ standings. Reigning world champions, Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley, and Mark Webber, have not been lucky in the first two rounds and can’t wait to catch up. The trio had an accident at Silverstone and a puncture at Spa Francorchamps. At the La Sarthe, teams and drivers are rewarded with double points compared to the other eight six-hour races.
This is Porsche’s third entry in Le Mans after returning to endurance racing. In their second attempt in 2015, Porsche managed a one-two finish with the 919 Hybrid.
With a ground-breaking two-liter V4 turbocharged gasoline engine having two recovery systems, technology has advanced considerably in the past year. A brake and exhaust energy recovery system produces 662 kW, while a very low drag vehicle design enables the 919 to frequently reach speeds of 200 miles per hour.
Experienced Porsche Drivers in the LMP1 class
The six drivers entered into the LMP1 class have raced in Le Mans a total of 49 times. The trio of Bernhard/Hartley/Webber finished second last year and are now driving the futuristic prototype having the number1. The trio of Dumas/Jani/Lieb came in 5th in 2015 and will share the number 2 Porsche 919 Hybrid.
Porsche 919 Hybrid at Le Mans
As the most successful manufacturer in the historic Le Mans Classic, Porsche is back this year represented by a large contingent. A total of seven 911 RSR will race in the strongly supported GT Class.
The Porsche Motorsports factory team will run two 911 RSR with overall Le Mans winners Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy. The remaining five 911 RSR teams will be fielded by private teams.
With two 919 Hybrids in the LMP1 class, Porsche has a total of nine vehicles and 16 factory drivers.
The Porsche 911 RSR
The fastest ever 911, the RSR took its maiden 2013 season with a double victory at Le Mans. The 911 RSR is based on the seventh generation of the legendary sports car and in addition to Le Mans, also won several American long distance classics including Daytona, Sebring and Petit Les Mans.
Source: Porsche