Porsche Returns to Le Mans in the Year 2014
Porsche returns to Le Mans with a works-run LMP1 sports prototype. The first outing of the completely new developed race car is planned for the year 2014. It was announced today, June 30.
With 16 overall victories, Porsche is stated to be the most successful manufacturer in Le Mans. The most recent win was in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1.
“Motorsport was always an essential part of the Porsche brand,” emphasises Matthias Muller, president of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “So for us it was only a matter of time before we returned as a factory to the top league of racing.”
With the RS Spyder sports prototype that was run with great success from 2006 to 2008 by the factory-backed Penske Racing team in the USA and to 2010 by several customer teams worldwide, Porsche has set the benchmark recently in the LMP2 category, claims the company.
“With the RS Spyder we proved that our motorsport engineers in Weissach are at the forefront,” says Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG.
“For instance, we were the first to run a high-revving race engine with direct fuel injection, DFI, setting new standards in performance and efficiency. Recently, with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, we adopted a completely new drive technology for racing purposes and achieved a considerable reduction in consumption.”
Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood claimed the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970 with the 917 short-tail. The 16th and by now last overall win was secured by Laurent Aiello, Stephane Ortelli and Allan McNish in 1998 with the 911 GT1.
In the years 2008 and 2009, the Porsche RS Spyder sports prototype won the title in the LMP2 category.
