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Successful partnership to be continued |
Author Archives: dedeporsche
Patrick Dempsey contests races again with Porsche in 2014-15, Successful partnership to be continued
Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, 16 race, Hockenheim, Title fight goes down to the wire at last race of the season
| Press Release | 19/10/2013 |
Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, 16 race, Hockenheim
Stuttgart. The Porsche Carrera Cup Germany remains gripping until the end – only the title will be decided on Sunday.
On the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg, Christian Engelhart (D / Konrad Motorsport) won at the wheel of his 450 hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup ahead of points’ leader Kévin Estre (F / Attempto Racing), and Nicki Thiim (DK / Attempto Racing) .
This puts Estre at the top of the overall standings with 229 points.
Engelhart sits second holding 221 points. With 20 points up for grabs at the 17th and final race of the season on Sunday,
Thiim in third overall (203 points) has to relinquish his hopes of taking home the title.
“It’s going to be incredibly exciting for the load-round, because I’m on pole position and Christian is right next to me in second,” Explained Estre.
“My third victory has given me enough self confidence to be champion,” stated Engelhart.
Commemorating the death of British pilot Sean Edwards, who had competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup since 2010 and which fatally injured at a private driver training on the Queensland Raceway in Australia on Saturday.
The field headed out for the formation lap.
When the lights went off, what Thiim INITIALLY viable to defend his pole position but after a braking mistake in the first lap, Engelhart managed to slip past him. Behind him, Thiim and Estre battled fiercely for positions, with Estre Ultimately winning the duel in lap eight.
When Christopher Zoechling (A / Konrad Motorsport) parked his Porsche trackside with tire damage in the tenth lap, the safety car came out and the race which flagged off after a duration of 25 minutes.
Porsche junior Connor de Phillippi (USA / Förch Racing by Luke Motorsport) Took off into the race from 16th on the grid and finished eleventh. ‘The result was okay. Now I’m putting all my hopes on the next race, because i start from third and I’m Determined to score a podium spot, “said de Phillippi.
After a botched qualifying, Alex Ribera (E / Attempto Racing powered by Motorvision) headed into the race from 36th and saw the flag in 18th. “Considering my grid position, the result is not that bad. I was fashionable to overtake a lot and I’m feeling confident for Sunday’s race. “
A decision has Already been made in the B-classification, with Rolf Ineichen (CH / Konrad Motorsport) in first ahead of Dominic Jöst (D / Attempto Racing ). This makes the new Ineichen amateur champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany.
The 17th and final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany season over 18 laps (82 332 kilometers) takes off at 10am on Sunday and can be watched live on http://www.porsche.com . race 16
Result:
1 Christian Engelhart (D / Konrad Motorsport)
2 Kévin Estre (F / Attempto Racing)
3 Nicki Thiim (DK / Attempto Racing)
4 Philipp Eng (A / Logiplus MRS Racing)
5 Jaap van Lagen (NL / FE Racing by Land Motorsport)
6 Robert Lukas (PL / Förch Racing by Luke Motorsport)
7Jeffrey Schmidt (CH / German team Post by Project 1)
8 Pieter Schothorst (NL / Team Bleekemolen)
9 Norbert Siedler (A / Aust Motorsport)
10 Jeroen Mul (NL / Team Bleekemolen)
Points’ standings after 16 of 17 races:
Driver classification
1 Kévin Estre (F / Attempto Racing) 229 points
2 Christian Engelhart (D / Konrad Motorsport), 221
3 Nicki Thiim (DK / Attempto Racing), 203
4 Sean Edwards (GB / Project Team German Post by 1), 162
5 Norbert Siedler (A / Aust Motorsport), 158
6 Philipp Eng (A / Logiplus MRS Racing), 156
7th Jaap van Lagen (NL / FE Racing by Land Motorsport), 147
8 Robert Lukas (PL / Förch Racing by Luke Motorsport), 134
9 Connor de Phillippi (USA / Förch Racing by Luke Motorsport), 116
10 Jeffrey Schmidt (CH / German team Post by Project 1), 97
Amateur Classification
1 Rolf Ineichen (CH / Konrad Motorsport), 264
2 Jöst Dominic (D / Attempto Racing), 225
3 Nathan Wolf (NL / FE Racing by Land Motorsport), 178
Rookie Classification
1 Connor de Phillippi (USA / Förch Racing by Luke Motorsport), 116
2Jeffrey Schmidt (CH / German team Post by Project 1), 97
3 Alex Ribera (E / Attempto racing engine powered by Vision) 69
Team Classification
1 Attempto Racing, 434
2 Konrad Motorsport, 306
3 By Luke Förch Racing Motorsport 1, 259
Source: Porsche AG Media Database Porsche Carrera Cup Germany
Video In Memoriam: Sean Edwards, Will Not Forget You My Friend
In Memoriam: Sean Edwards, Will Not Forget You My Friend
In Memoriam: Sean Edwards
Will Not Forget You My Friend
Porsche AG
Motorsports Event: Porsche Carrera Cup Germany
Location: Hockenheim / Germany
Season: 2013 Season
The British race driver Sean Edwards was killed in a fatal accident October 15th, 2013 during a private driving training on the Queensland Raceway in Australia. The 26-year-old Edwards, who was contesting the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this season, was sitting in the passenger seat as an instructor when the accident happened. This news has sparked immense regret at Porsche. Edwards has for many years been one of the most popular and successful pilots in the Porsche one-make race series.
“Our thoughts are with his family and we want to express our deepest condolences to his relatives,” said Hartmut Kristen, Head of Motorsport at Porsche.
In 2006, Edwards became champion in the FIA GT3 European Championship. He has competed in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup since 2008, and in the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland since 2010. Sean Edwards was the son of the ex-Formula One pilot Guy Edwards.
Source: Porsche AG
Porsche pilots keen to tackle the WEC premiere in Texas Round 5
| Press Release | 13/09/2013 |
Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC, round 5 in Austin/USA
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Patrick Pilet
Stuttgart. As part of this year’s sports car World Endurance Championship WEC campaign, Porsche competes for the first time on the Circuit of the Americas on 22 September in Austin. Fans in the United States can not only look forward to seeing the successful Le Mans contender Porsche 911 RSR in action, which is fielded by Porsche AG Team Manthey in the hotly-contested GTE-Pro class.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
Also racing on this weekend alongside the WEC is the American Le Mans Series with a strong Porsche contingent on the Formula 1 track in the Texas capital close to the Colorado River
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
The Porsche drivers
Porsche factory pilots and Le Mans winners Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) share the cockpit of the number 92 Porsche 911 RSR in Austin.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
Their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France), who recently scored third in Sao Paulo, take up the race in the number 91 car.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Patrick Pilet
In the GTE-Am class, two customer teams field last year’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR: Driving for IMSA Performance Matmut are the Le Mans winners from France, Raymond Narac, Jean-Karl Vernay and Christophe Bourret.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Raymond Narac, Christophe Bourret, Jean-Karl Vernay
Competing for the Proton Competition squad is team owner Christian Ried (Germany) with his Italian teammates Paolo Ruberti and Gianluca Roda.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Proton Competition, Christian Ried, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti
The Porsche 911 RSR
The 470 hp Porsche 911 RSR features consequent lightweight design and sophisticated aerodynamics. The look of the 2013 Le Mans winner (GTE-Pro) is dominated by the flared fenders and the cooling air intake at the front.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Patrick Pilet
The exceptional livery of the car honours the anniversary, “50 years of the 911”. As the successor to the winning 911 GT3 RSR, with which Porsche customers have scored many victories and title wins since 2004, the GT racer from Weissach is based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car.
Porsche AG Team Manthey: Patrick Pilet (l), Joerg Bergmeister
The schedule
The six-hour race on the Circuit of the Americas starts on 22 September at 11.00 hours local time (18.00 CEST). Eurosport International broadcasts the starting phase live from 18.00 to 19.00 hours CEST. From 20.30 to 22.30 hours, Eurosport 2 telecasts live race action.
The final phase of the race is covered live by Eurosport from 22.30 p.m. to midnight. Viewers can follow the race live on the internet under http://www.fiawec.com.
Comments before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport:
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche-Motorsportchief
“The race in Austin is undoubtedly a real asset and a gain for the WEC. After all, motor racing has a great tradition in America. The USA is one of the most important markets for Porsche.
That’s why we are particularly pleased to showcase the Porsche 911 RSR, which did so well recently in Le Mans, to our many US fans for the first time at a race meeting.”
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Joerg Bergmeister, Patrick Pilet
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91):
“Austin is one of the few race tracks in the USA that I don’t know. The greatest challenge for us all will be to quickly familiarise ourselves with the circuit and to find the optimal race set-up during practice.”
Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Patrick Pilet (# 91):
“I only know this track from TV. It’ll certainly be an interesting race. Like in Le Mans and Sao Paulo, I’m hoping for another podium result.”
Patrick Pilet, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Marc Lieb (# 92):
“A new race always adds interest to the series. I’m looking forward to the Austin track. There are a couple of unusual corner combinations. All in all, it looks interesting and rather challenging.”
Marc Lieb, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Richard Lietz (# 92):
“The track is new for us all. But we had an additional day of testing so it shouldn’t be a problem. Our goal is to bring home a top result and keep the bid for the championship open.”
Porsche AG Team Manthey: Richard Lietz, Marc Lieb (r)
The Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC
In the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC, sports prototypes and GT vehicles start in four classes: LMGTE-Pro, LMGTE-Am, LMP1 and LMP2. They all compete in one race but are classified separately.
Points standings after 4 of 8 races
World Cup for Manufacturers GTE
1. Ferrari, 149 points
2. Porsche, 145
3. Aston Martin, 134
World Endurance Cup for GTE drivers
1. Darren Turner, Stefan Mücke ( Aston Martin), 86 points
2. Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz (Porsche), 84
3. Giancarlo Fisichella, Gianmaria Bruni (Ferrari), 81
4. Romain Dumas (Porsche), 72
5. Joerg Bergmeister, Patrick Pilet (Porsche), 57
FIA Endurance Trophy for GTE-Am drivers
1. Jean-Karl Vernay, Raymond Narac (Porsche), 76 points
2. Jamie Campbell-Walter, Stuart Hall (Aston Martin), 70
3. Christophe Bourret (Porsche), 68
6. Christian Ried, Paolo Ruberti, Gianluca Roda (Porsche), 47
FIA Endurance Trophy for GTE-Pro teams
1. Aston Martin Racing (Aston Martin), 89 points
2. Porsche AG Team Manthey (Porsche), 87
3. AF Corse (Ferrari), 81
FIA Endurance Trophy for GTE-Am teams
1. IMSA Performance Matmut (Porsche), 76 points
2. 8 Star Motorsports (Ferrari), 74
3. Aston Martin Racing (Aston Martin), 74
5. Proton Competition (Porsche), 55
World Endurance Championship WEC
SOURCE: Communication Porsche AG / Motorsport Press
Related articles
- Porsche 918 Spyder tops global debut with a Nürburgring lap record in 6.57 minutes (dedeporsche.com)
Porsche 918 Spyder tops global debut with a Nürburgring lap record in 6.57 minutes
Press Release |
11/09/2013 |
Super sportscar equipped with a hybrid drive takes the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6.57 minutes
918 Spyder tops global debut with a Nürburgring lap record
Record Run 918 Spyder Nürburgring
Stuttgart. As the first vehicle to boast global road homologation, the Porsche 918 Spyder* has conquered the 20.6-kilometre lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than seven minutes. Achieving a time of exactly six minutes and 57 seconds, the super sportscar equipped with a hybrid drive shaved 14 seconds off the previous record.
Record Run 918 Spyder Nürburgring
Wolfgang Hatz, member of the Porsche AG Board of Management in charge of Research and Development, had the following to say:
l.- r.: Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member of the Executive for Research and Development, Walter Röhrl, twice holder of the rally world championship
“We promised a great deal with the 918 Spyder, namely to redefine driving pleasure, efficiency and performance. We have kept our word.”
As is always the case with Porsche, the 918 Spyder is also leading the way for future generations as the latest in the line of super sportscars. It is currently making its global début at the International Motor Show (IAA). With its unique spread, the model blends maximum driving dynamics with minimal fuel consumption. By taking the Nürburgring record, the sportscar is demonstrating the enormous potential that lies in Porsche’s pioneering plug-in hybrid concept, and is underpinning the leading role the company enjoys when it comes to developing sporty hybrid vehicles.
Dr. Frank Walliser, Overall 918 Spyder Project Manager
“The radical hybridisation of the 918 Spyder from the very outset is what made this lap record possible” says Dr. Frank Walliser, head of the 918 Spyder project. “The lap time on the Nordschleife is and remains the toughest measure of a super sportscar. Posting a time of 6.57 minutes, we achieved a result of which everyone in the development team and at Porsche as a whole is rightly proud.”
The record, which was previously held for four years, was even broken during the first attempt in the test drive on the morning of September 4.
All three drivers – Former European Rally Champion Walter Röhrl, Porsche test driver Timo Kluck and Porsche factory driver Marc Lieb – were quicker than the existing record with each lap driving the two 918 Spyder models used, and posted lap times of less than seven minutes on numerous occasions.
Record Run 918 Spyder Nürburgring
Ultimately, it was Marc Lieb who posted the absolute best time of 6.57 minutes, driving at an average speed of 179.5 km/h, as measured by Wige Solutions. Marcus Schurig, editor-in-chief of sportscar magazine “sport auto”, was on hand as an objective observer of the record-breaking runs.
Record Run 918 Spyder Nürburgring
The two sportscars, which deliver an output of 887 bhp (652 kW), were equipped with the optional “Weissach package” to increase the driving dynamics, and lead out on the standard Michelin tyres developed specifically for the 918 Spyder.
Record Run 918 Spyder Nürburgring
* 918 Spyder: combined fuel consumption: 3.3–3.0 l/100 km; combined energy consumption: 12.5–13.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 79–70 g/km
Source:
Communication Porsche AG
Product and Technology Communication
Five million Porsche fans on Facebook have a chance to win a drive in the one-of-a-kind 911 model at the Porsche Experience Center at Silverstone in the United Kingdom
| Press Release | 05/08/2013 |
Five million Porsche fans on Facebook
Porsche builds a unique model based on the votes from its Internet community
Stuttgart. “5 million reasons to celebrate!” – It was this slogan that got sportscar enthusiasts on the Internet involved in designing a unique Porsche 911 Carrera 4S model. The sportscar manufacturer based in Zuffenhausen, Germany, launched the campaign to show its appreciation for the five million “Likes” it has received from fans.
Porsche is now running a competition on its Facebook page (facebook.com/porsche) until August 18 for the chance to win a drive in the one-of-a-kind 911 model at the Porsche Experience Center at Silverstone in the United Kingdom.
Nine scale models of the vehicle are also available for the runners-up.
As part of the “50 years of the Porsche 911” anniversary celebrations, 54,000 social media users voted on their ideal design for the Porsche 911. Working with “Porsche Exclusive”, the vehicle was painted in the unique colour Aquablaumetallic and kitted out with a range of equipment, including 20-inch Carrera S wheels with a special paint finish in white.
The unique model also features the “Aerokit Cup” package, consisting of a front apron with additional front spoiler lip and a new rear lid with fixed spoiler. A film set developed especially for this 911 model with the wording
“5M Porsche Fans” along with custom-made door entry guards with the wording “Personally built by 5 Million Porsche Fans” make this vehicle a genuine original.
It will soon be possible for all Porsche enthusiasts to experience the vehicle on the driving courses at Silverstone.
The runners-up in second place through to tenth place in the competition will receive a 1:43 scale model of the 911 Carrera 4S “5M Porsche Fans” vehicle.
The competition is open to anyone with a Facebook account and a valid driver’s licence. For more information about the competition and the unique model, along with the terms and conditions of participation, visit http://www.porsche.com/5million and http://www.porsche.com/exclusive.
Definition of prize …more information here >> “Terms and conditions“<<
The winner and his/her friend, who will accompany the winner to the event, will go on a trip to the Porsche Experience Center Silverstone, UK either on September 4th or September 6th 2013 (depending on the schedule of the winner and his/her friend of choice).
The trip will include the following for both persons:
Return flights (Economy Class) or train tickets (Second Class)
Transfers between the airport/train station and the hotel, as well as the hotel and the Porsche Experience Center
Hotel accommodation (max. 2 nights) for the duration of the driving event (1 day).
Participation in the driving event at the Porsche Experience Center and lunch
Participants who rank the 2nd -10th place will each receive 1 model of the 5M car in 1:43 scale.
Find out how to take part: www.porsche.com/5million
*Combined fuel consumption in accordance with EU 5: 11.0-10.5 l/100km, 259-247 g/km
Source: Porsche AG
Communication Porsche AG
Looking for Adventure?… Join a Porsche Travel Club
Looking for something special?
Join a tour of the Porsche Travel Club. You don’t have to be a member to enjoy the club’s fantastic travel offers.
Destination: Driving Pleasure.
The Porsche Travel Club combines driving a Porsche along extraordinary routes with a high level of exclusivity.
On all routes, you’ll stay at some of the world’s finest hotels and dine at some of the best restaurants.
Leave your everyday life behind, whether you choose for a Porsche Shortbreak, a two day tour, or a Porsche Tour for several days.
Porsche Shortbreak
Leave your everyday life behind, right from the very first moment. Spend one or two days driving along some of the most beautiful routes in Germany and further afield.
Find Out More here
Porsche Shortbreaks
Day Tour of the Black ForestWeekend:
Leipzig/DresdenTraining/Weekend:
Black ForestWeekend:
Black ForestWeekend: Kitzbühel
or a Porsche Tour for several days.
Enjoy the exhilaration of driving a Porsche on a tour of some of the most attractive regions in Europe. Spend several days staying at some of the finest hotels along some of the most impressive routes, taking home with you a wealth of lasting memories.
Find Out More Here
Porsche Tours
Porsche Exclusive Tour
Tour of Scotland
Tour of Alsace/Vosges
Tour of Southern Germany
Tour of BurgundyAlpine Tour
Tour of the Dolomite Alps
Tour Croatia
Tour Provence/Côte d’Azur
Tour Tuscany
Tour of Barcelona/the Pyrenees
Tour of Andalusia
Tour of Portugal
Drive through the impressive Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, enjoy Italian flair and great landscapes in Tuscany or discover Southern Germany with everything Bavaria, the Black Forest and Heidelberg has to offer.
Porsche Travel Club Philosophy
Dine in renowned restaurants. Stay in excellent hotels. And go on fascinating routes. Always in conjunction with an impressive companion – a Porsche. For all offers, Porsche Travel Club will take care of the entire organization. They are accompanied by experienced guides. In German, English and – in conjunction with the Porsche Travel Club team – of course other languages.
Leave everyday life behind.
For several hours or several days – just the way you like it.
That is Porsche Travel Club’s philosophy. For more than 15 years.
Choose your favorite tour and embark on a journey that will lift you out of the everyday.
All tours: [Link on website / www.porsche.com/travelclub]
Take your seat right behind the wheel of a Porsche and enjoy!
Porsche Travel Club 2013 Download Catalogue (pdf) (German Version ) takes a a minute to download
Porsche Travel Club 2013 Download Catalogue (pdf) (English Version) takes a a minute to download
Source: Porsche.com / Porsche Travel Club & Tours
Porsche Paper Clips Car Silhouette designed by the Porsche Design Studio, represents the shape of the 911, made in Germany
Photo by Dede Seward
PORSCHE PAPER CLIPS – For your Home or Office Impression
Admit it: You WISH you had your matchbox cars to play with on your desk.
Well, here’s the fun grown-up version, and you can pretend you got a 911.
Order here: http://shop3.porsche.com/usa/lifestyle/office/wap0500030e/paper-clips.pdds
When it comes to paperclips, they’re often only known for their functional and practical use. But these paperclip creations are a great representation of how these ordinary items have been used in another inventive way. Using such a widely known brand name as “Porsche” as an inspiration.
Modern day engineered designs derive their influence from all sorts of ordinary mundane items, and can transform such things as these ordinary paperclips, into something modern and visually compelling, such as the well-recognized Porsche 911 shape.
Something you would want at your desk? I know I would.
That lovely, sexy, streamlined 911 silhouette! … a marvelous home or office gift.
If you are looking for something to brighten up your work space, this is an ideal office gift for women and men. And what a great Birthday or Christmas gift too. Hint!
Here’s the Product Details:
Paper clips designed by the Porsche Design Studio and represents the shape of the 911, made in Germany.
Code: WAP0500030E
Porsche Paper Clips
Set of 100 in tin box.
Shaped to resemble the famous Porsche 911 silhouette.
Photo by Dede Seward
Please Note:
The Porsche gift / collection range is subject to availability and may take up to anything between 14 – 30 days for delivery if the item is not in stock.
Check availability at Porsches “Porsche Driver’s Selection” under Lifestyle/office supplies:: websites around the world
Oh! and one more thing…
Not too successful with trying to keep your paper clips together on your desk?
You work in an office, right? When you reach into your paper clip container to remove one paper clip, do you tend to get a chain of them? I do.
Paper clips, push pins and rubber bands running astray across your home office desk? Here’s a way to keep those little office supplies in check….the Office Organizer!
Photo by Dede Seward
The paper clips fit perfectly in the Office Organizer, item #WAP0500180D
(also exclusive design by the Porsche Design Studio representing the central locking mechanism of a Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S wheel).
Photo by Dede Seward
Many Porsche Driver’s Selection products are often inspired by the cars themselves too.
This can be found in items such as Porsche Wine Bottle Stopper (WAP0500120B)
Inspired by the design of the central locking mechanism of the current Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S. Includes original Porsche Crest and logo. With rubber inlay for sealing the bottle. Color: Silver/Black. Imported
Porsche Bottle Opener (WAP05001010B)
Inspired by the design of the central locking mechanism of the current Porsche 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S. Heavy-duty design includes original Porsche Crest and logo. For opening crown caps. Imported.
and Porsche Tabletop Clock (WAP0701000B)
With both analog and digital time display and alarm, second time zone, calender and timer functions. Alarm features the sound of the Porsche 911 engine. Sturdy aluminum case. The case and dial are both based on the design of the Porsche 911 instruments. Imported.
Source:
Porsche Design / Porsche.com
Check availability at “Porsche Driver’s Selection” under office supplies: Porsche websites around the world
Here is one in the UK: http://shop3.porsche.com/uk/lifestyle/office/wap0500030e/paper-clips.pdds
and Germany: http://shop3.porsche.com/germany/lifestyle/office/wap0500030e/bueroklammer.pdds
and USA : http://shop4.porsche.com/usa/lifestyle/office/
Formula 1 pilot Mark Webber to contest Le Mans for Porsche, World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hours
Stuttgart. The Australian Formula 1 pilot Mark Webber has signed a contract with Porsche that extends over several years.
From the 2014 season he will compete in Porsche’s new LMP1 sports prototype at the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC. The 36-year-old Australian has already raced at Le Mans twice. In 1998 he finished runner-up in the FIA GT Championship at the wheel of a sports prototype. Over the course of his Formula 1 career from 2002 until today, Webber has achieved 36 podium places, nine race victories and has started from pole position eleven times.
“It’s an honor for me to join Porsche at its return to the top category in Le Mans and in the sports car World Endurance Championship and be part of the team.
Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding technology and performance at the highest level,” says Mark Webber.
“I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1. Porsche will undoubtedly set itself very high goals. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sports cars in the world.”
“I’m very pleased to have secured Mark Webber for our LMP1 project as one of the best and most successful Formula 1 pilots of our time,” says Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG.
“Mark is without doubt one of the world’s best race drivers, he has experience at the Le Mans 24 hour race and on top of that he’s been a Porsche enthusiast for many years.”
“I learned to appreciate Mark’s qualities when we were both involved in Formula 1,” says Fritz Enzinger, Head of LMP1. “He is one of the best pilots I could imagine for our team. I’m absolutely delighted that we have such an experienced and fast regular driver onboard from 2014.”
Competing in the new LMP1 car alongside Mark Webber are the two long-standing Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) as well as the ex-Formula 1 test driver Neel Jani (Switzerland).
Bernhard and Dumas already joined forces in 2010 to bring home overall victory from the Le Mans 24 hour race. In the years 2007 and 2008, they secured the American Le Mans Series title at the wheel of the RS Spyder LMP2 sports prototype. Neel Jani has contested the LMP1 class since 2010.
SOURCE: Porsche AG Motorsport
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
Video: Let’s start your engines! …the Porsche Sport Driving School in Europe is on YOUR to do list!
The Porsche Sport Driving School in Europe offers a great variety of training events for everyone.
Definitely not for the faint of heart, the Porsche Sport Driving School offers to all who dare to rise to the challenge, the opportunity to live their automotive fantasy.
Set yourself some new goals. Sporting ones, for example.
Explore the realm of possibilities and expand your own personal limits, improving your lap times out on the track or developing your driving skills further on the road.
\
All the courses are designed to enhance your driving skills and safety.
At various levels and always under the guidance of professional instructors.
You can either start with the introductory
Warm-up or go straight to Precision training. The next level up, Performance training, focuses on improving your vehicle control in hazardous situations.
Following on from that, Master training prepares you for entry into the world of motorsport.
If desired, Porsche Sport Driving School can even help you to achieve, a high, yet attainable goal: applying for a racing license – your ticket to compete in customer racing events.
The ultimate goal is to improve your driving skills on an ongoing basis, enabling you to drive more safely in hazardous situations and, of course, enhance your enjoyment – behind the wheel of a Porsche. The Offer
All training events: www.porsche.com/sportdrivingschool
PSDS Katalog 2013
PSDS Dates and Prices 2013
Contact information:
Porsche Sport Driving School
airtours – a TUI Deutschland GmbH brand
Porscheplatz 1
70435 Stuttgart
Germany
Tel: +49 (0)711 911 – 23364
Fax: +49 (0)711 911 – 23277
E-mail: info@porschesportdrivingschool.de
SOURCE: Porsche Sport Driving School Germany
“Live Sreaming” Top Porsche Drivers at Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Wednesday, June 26th from 6-7pm Mountain time
“WATCH LIVE TOMORROW”…be sure to bookmark the attached link below!
TOP Porsche drivers, to name a few.. Romain Dumas,Jeff Zwart..@ this year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Wednesday, June 26th from 6-7pm Mountain time.
The event will be on the Porsche of Colorado Springs website. This is the best field at Pikes Peak in many years and Porsches look to figure very strongly.
For the live-streaming conversation go to: http://www.porscheofcoloradosprings.com/live.htm
SPREAD the word to others!!!
SOURCE: Porsche of Colorado
Neel Jani races the LMP1 Porsche, Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC and Le Mans 24 Hours
Stuttgart. Another driver has been confirmed to contest the top class of the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the Le Mans 24 Hours. The ex-Formula 1 test pilot Neel Jani (29) from Switzerland will join Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) for testing and from 2014 onwards will take the wheel of one of the two new LMP1 vehicles from Weissach.
Jani’s contract with Porsche extending over several years begins on 1st July. In addition to test driving the Porsche, the experienced sports car pilot will complete his planned race schedule for 2013 with the Rebellion team in the American Le Mans Series and in the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC.
Neel Jani began his career in the classical way at the age of 12 in karting and at age 16 went on to race single-seaters. In 2002 he concluded the European Formula Renault 2000 championship as runner-up.
The following season he clinched vice championship honours in the European Formula Renault V6 series. In 2003 and 2004 Jani was a Formula 1 test driver for Sauber and in 2005 he scored two GP2 victories. During the winter season of 2005/2006, he secured second overall for Switzerland in the global A1GP series and in 2006 was signed on as test and reserve driver for the Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1 team. In 2007 he switched to the American Champcar Series and clinched three podium places. For the 2007/2008 season he returned to the A1GP, took home the title after four victories and went on to secure yet another runner-up title the following year. In 2009 Jani contested the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time and finished twelfth in the LMP1 class. Since 2010, he has competed for the Rebellion Racing team.
“To compete for Porsche in the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC and at the Le Mans 24 Hours is a dream come true,” says Neel Jani. “I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel for the first time and contributing my test driving experience.
Porsche is incomparable with any other marque in sports car racing and I’m proud to now be a part of the Porsche works team. My goal is to win the Le Mans 24 Hours and secure the WEC World Championship title with Porsche. I don’t just want to build on Porsche’s successful history, I want to add a new chapter.”
“Neel Jani is extremely talented and is currently one of the best sports car pilots altogether. I’m delighted that we can already confirm three drivers for the 2014 season of the World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24 Hours,” says Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG.
“Neel fits very well into our Porsche motorsport family. He is incredibly fast, he has a wealth of experience in international long distance racing as well as at the Le Mans 24 Hours and he’s a real team player,” adds Fritz Enzinger, Head of the LMP1 project.
SOURCE: Porsche AG
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
Porsche 911 RSR triumphs with double victory in Le Mans, Sports Car WEC, rd 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France
Stuttgart . At the Le Mans 24 Hours, Porsche has further extended its record with class wins number 99 and 100 and opened a new chapter in the history of the world’s most famous long distance race. On the Circuit des 24 Heures, the new Porsche 911 RSR fielded by Porsche AG Team Manthey with Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) won the fiercely competitive GTE-Pro class against strong opposition from Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Ferrari and Viper.
In the second 911 RSR, their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) made the double victory for the race car from Weissach perfect.
In the GTE-Am class, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by the customer team IMSA Performance Matmut clinched victory with Frenchmen Raymond Narac, Jean-Karl-Vernay and Christophe Bourret.
The 81st running of the long distance classic took place in changeable weather with constant showers and under the most difficult conditions. All the greater was the relief after the maiden win of the new Porsche 911 RSR.
At the finish line, the Porsche AG Team Manthey squad stood united at the pit wall to give their heroes the glorious reception they deserved.
Amidst them stood Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG, CEO Matthias Müller as well as Board Members Wolfgang Hatz (Research and Development) and Bernhard Maier (Sales and Marketing) who had witnessed most of the race firsthand round-the-clock in the Porsche pits.
Already in the hour after the start, the 911 RSR made up positions at just its third outing in the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC, which yielded double points at Le Mans as the third round.
With fast lap times and utmost reliability, the 911 with the starting number 92 in particular fought for victory right from the start.
The pit stops were predominantly just routine: Refuel, tyres, driver change – then back out on the track.
Both works-run Porsche completed the entire distance without the slightest technical problem, apart from a rear light that had to be replaced on the number 91 Porsche 911 RSR after being nudged by a competitor.
The second racer fielded by Porsche AG Team Manthey was thrown back in the field shortly after the start when the safety car was deployed right in front of Joerg Bergmeister which cost the Porsche factory pilot almost two minutes.
While some competitors struggled on the difficult and partly wet circuit, the 911 RSR made it safely through the night without any problems and underlined the intention to clinch its maiden victory with consistently fast lap times.
Even when torrential rain fell a good hour before the finish and its pursuers launched a final attack, Richard Lietz remained unfazed at the wheel of the number 91 car. In the final race hours, the number 91 vehicle also gained ground and slipped into second place ahead of the Aston Martin and Ferrari. The Porsche works drivers did not let this superb double victory slip out of their hands.
In the GTE-Am class, three Porsche 911 GT3 RSR at times ran at the front. At the flag, Raymond Narac, Christophe Bourret and Jean-Karl Vernay, who receives support from Porsche in his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign this season, brought home the victory.
Especially for Jean-Karl Vernay, the winner of the 2012 International Cup Scholarship, a dream came true.
Porsche race driver Patrick Dempsey, one of an all-American driver trio helming the Dempsey Del Piero-Proton 911 GT3 RSR with Porsche works driver Patrick Long and Joe Foster, also held the lead at times.
However, after he was blamelessly shunted off the circuit by a sports prototype he had to bury his dream of winning his first Le Mans outing with Porsche.
The Le Mans race was overshadowed by the death of Denmark’s Allan Simonsen. In the fourth race lap, the Aston Martin pilot crashed into the barriers in the fast Tertre Rouge corner and died from his serious injuries shortly afterwards in the Circuit des 24 Heures Medical Centre.
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG:
“With the 99th and 100th class win and the double victory of the new 911 RSR, this Le Mans 24 hour race was a magnificent success for Porsche. I very much congratulate all those who have contributed. Our joy, however, is also mixed with sadness and shock at the death of Allan Simonsen. We have not only lost a passionate racer, but also a good friend of the Porsche motorsport family. He contested his first Le Mans 24 Hours in 2007 with a Porsche. With our works driver Marc Lieb in 2005, he contested two races of the Le Mans Endurance Series in a Porsche as well. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family as well as the Aston Martin squad and his teammates at this difficult time.”
Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG:
“Those were very gripping 24 hours and a race with action we’ve all certainly experienced rarely. It was exciting from the first to the last minute. In the end luck was on our side. Aston Martin was a tremendous opponent. At this time our thoughts should be with the fatally injured Allan Simonsen. For motorsport and for Aston Martin it is a great tragedy. Nevertheless, Porsche has once again shown that it is the manufacturer to beat in GT racing. This makes us optimistic for 2014.”
Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member Research and Development at Porsche AG:
“I am incredibly proud of what the entire team has done here. A double victory in the Pro class and even a win thanks to our customer team, you can’t ask for more than that.”
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport:
“In the 50th anniversary of the 911 and 15 years since the last time a works team competed here Le Mans it’s the best result you can imagine. And I don’t just mean the performance of our Pro teams. Our customer squads have performed brilliantly. We couldn’t have done better. The race was thrilling for the spectators and it was nerve wracking but the result after all that was well worth it.”
Olaf Manthey, team principal of Porsche AG Team Manthey:
“I’m still speechless about our success. After the penultimate safety car phase I was not feeling particularly optimistic. I still can’t believe this victory. In 1999 I was with Porsche for the first time in Le Mans and we won then too. Now I returned after 15 years and did it again. Dear God, however, has written a screenplay that almost ruined by nerves.”
Marc Lieb (#92):
“It’s a fairytale. To win Le Mans at our first attempt with a new RSR is something we never expected in our wildest dreams. I’m incredibly proud of my teammates and the entire crew that turned the 911 RSR into a winning car at Le Mans in such a short time.”
Richard Lietz (#92):
“Even in my last stint when everything came to a head for us I didn’t feel any great pressure. But right from the start I had the death of a colleague in my head, and the battle for tenths of seconds and positions became secondary. I believe there wouldn’t be many drivers who could really concentrate, I’ve never experienced so many safety car phases in Le Mans. We were lucky with the rain today but we needed luck too under such difficult conditions. As far as our performance and the car goes we are delighted and proud, but our thoughts are somewhere else.”
Romain Dumas (#92):
“This race was packed with suspense and emotion right from the start. It began with Allan Simonsen’s tragic accident, and in the end we were lucky with the rain which helped us considerably. However, we had a lot of frustration with the safety car at the beginning. This success is of course great for Porsche and the 50th anniversary of the 911.”
Joerg Bergmeister (#91):
“I had very mixed feelings after Allan’s fatal accident. First and second place is obviously a dream result which we had not anticipated before the race considering the superiority of Aston Martin. We had a fabulous car, but also a bit of bad luck. But we were always up with the play, second place is a very good consolation.”
Patrick Pilet (#91):
“It is a day to be proud and happy, but also sad. Due to the circumstances we’ll all need a couple of weeks to let it sink in. Right now we are all thinking of Allan and that’s why this success is not exactly the wonderful moment it was actually supposed to be for me. We came here with a new car, we worked incredibly hard together and fought together with Porsche for this result.”
Timo Bernhard (#91):
“It was a very moving, difficult race with constantly changing weather conditions. We had hoped for a podium result, so the double victory is just fantastic especially for me since this was my last race with the 911 RSR. From the outset we were really fast, but lost two minutes early on through the safety car and we spent the rest of the race trying to catch up. In the end we all had that necessary luck and I congratulate my teammates on their victory. That was a truly great day for the entire team.”
Jean-Karl Vernay (#76):
“Porsche supports me this season in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Here in Le Mans I wanted to prove that they were right putting their trust in me. I think I succeeded. I had a great weekend.”
Patrick Long (#77):
“I wanted so much to climb the podium with Patrick and Joe. Even a victory would have been possible. The car was so unbelievably good, but it wasn’t our race. Today is a great day for Porsche. Double victory in Le Mans with the new 911 RSR – it’s almost impossible to believe. My congratulations to all those in Weissach who contributed to it.”
Patrick Dempsey (#76):
“Patrick Long did a fantastic job. He drove so well, so fast. I’m pleased to have him in the team. He is so incredibly inspiring. Porsche gave us a very good car. We were so close to the podium. It is an unbelievable experience to be in Le Mans with Porsche. I’m very proud to have been a part of this great project.”
Round four of the sports car World Endurance Championship takes place on 1 September in Sao Paulo/Brazil.
Race result
GTE-Pro class
1. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 315 laps
2. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 315
3. Dumbreck/Mücke/Turner (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 314
4. Magnussen/Garcia/Taylor (DK/E/USA), Chevrolet Corvette, 312
5. Beretta/Kobayashi/Vilander (MC/J/SF), Ferrari 458 Italia, 312
6. Bruni/Fisichella/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari 458 Italia, 311
GTE-Am class
1. Narrac/Bourret/Vernay (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 306 laps
2. Perazzini/Case/O’Young (I/I/CDN), Ferrari 458 Italia, 305
3. Gerber/Griffin/Cioci (ZA/IRL/I), Ferrari 458 Italia, 305
4. Dempsey/Long/Foster (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 305
7. Henzler/Gibon/Milesi (D/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 300
8. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 300
9. Collard/Perrod/Crubile (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 298
Please note: Photo material from the Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC is available for accredited journalists from the Porsche Press Database under the internet address http://presse.porsche.de. On this website you can also activate the Porsche Motorsport SMS Info Service to receive the latest news and information from race tracks around the world via text messages. On the internet address http://presse.porsche.de/motorsport journalists have access to the new digital Porsche Motorsport Media Guide 2013.
SOURCE: Porsche AG Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
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Porsche wins both GT classes in Le Mans, Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC, rd 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France
Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Stuttgart. At the Le Mans 24 Hours, Porsche won the fiercely-competitive GT classes. This is the class victories number 99 and 100 for Porsche at the world’s most famous long distance race.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
The new Porsche 911 RSR fielded by Porsche AG Team Manthey with Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) won the GTE-Pro class.
Porsche 911 RSR, Porsche AG Team Manthey: Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas
From three races this was the first victory for the race car from Weissach. With the second 911 RSR, their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) made the double victory for Porsche perfect.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Raymond Narac, Christophe Bourret, Jean-Karl Vernay
In the GTE-Am class, the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by the IMSA Performance Matmut squad with Frenchmen Raymond Narac, Jean-Karl Vernay and Christophe Bourret scored victory.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Raymond Narac, Christophe Bourret, Jean-Karl Vernay
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Raymond Narac, Christophe Bourret, Jean-Karl Vernay
SOURCE: Porsche AG
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
Porsche teams among the front-runners in both GT classes, Sports Car WEC, rd 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France
Stuttgart. At the Le Mans 24 Hours, the fight for victory in the strongly-represented GT classes is looking promising for Porsche teams after the first third of the race. In the GTE-Pro class, the Porsche 911 RSR with the starting number 92 was running third at its Le Mans debut shortly before midnight.
The sister 911 RSR with the starting number 91, also run by Porsche AG Team Manthey, is sitting in fourth. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Dempsey Del Piero-Proton leads the GTE-Am class.
On the Circuit des 24 Heures, 56 vehicles took off at 15.00 hours into the 81st running of the world’s most famous long distance race. In the very first race hour, with a long caution period due to an accident, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb (Germany) moved up into second place in the number 92 Porsche 911 RSR.
After one and a half hours he even seized the lead until the first pit stop. He and his teammates Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) were locked in battle with the Aston Martin for the front spot.
In the second 911 RSR with the starting number 91, Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) made up three places, only to lose more than one minute through a safety car phase. Nevertheless, after nine hours of racing, he and his teammates Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) are still within striking distance of the front-runners.
In the GTE-Am class, three Porsche 911 GT3 RSR are in the lead just after midnight.
Trailing the leading 911 fielded by the customer team Dempsey Del Piero-Proton with an all-American driver line-up of Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Porsche factory pilot Patrick Long as well as Joe Foster, are Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Paolo Ruberti and Gianluca Roda in the 911 GT3 RSR run by Proton Competition. Running third are the Frenchmen Raymond Narac, Jean-Karl Vernay and Christophe Bourret competing for the IMSA Performance Matmut squad.
Driver quotes
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91):
“Unfortunately we’ve had some real bad luck, I had just overtaken two Ferrari when the safety car was deployed right in front of me. We lost of lot of time because of this, I’m guessing a minute twenty. Then there was an incident in the pit lane with a Ferrari which shunted me towards the wall. And then my right rear tyre lost air. So it’s not going exactly as we had hoped, but one thing’s for sure – we certainly have the speed.”
Patrick Pilet (# 91): “I drove alone for quite some time so I didn’t have to battle against any other cars. It wasn’t exactly the most exciting stint of my career, but our Porsche is the epitome of reliability.”
Marc Lieb (# 92): “My start was good and the car is running smoothly. I had an interesting fight with the two Aston Martins and that was fantastic.”
Richard Lietz (# 92): “I drove a triple stint – that was a very long time in the car. We took a bit of a risk with the tyres. In the Porsche curves I had to drive straight ahead to avoid an accident with a prototype. It’s pretty wild out there, especially now at night.”
Romain Dumas (# 92): “We have to fight really hard to match the pace of the Aston Martin. Right now we are lacking that very last bit, but we’re trying to compensate as best we can. So far it’s looking pretty good.”
Wolf Henzler (#67): “At first the conditions were difficult. There were wet patches here and there. In one lap a corner was dry, in the next it was wet – or vice versa: That makes you extremely cautious when braking and you realize that you could have actually driven it much faster. Everything is running smoothly for us at the moment, we’re fast. At one point we were even leading but then we got a flat tyre on the straight before the Indianapolis corner – at something like 200 kph. The car came sideways but luckily I managed to get it under control. Unfortunately it cost us a lot of time.”
Emmanuel Collard (#75): “During my first stint the changing weather made the track conditions very difficult. It started to rain again but we kept driving on slicks. This was not without risk.”
Jean-Karl Vernay (#76): “To contest my first 24 hour race in Le Mans of all places is an unbelievable experience. It wasn’t easy with all the traffic on the track, I had to be extremely careful. Our car is running beautifully, no problems here.”
Patrick Long (#77): “We have a very fast car with a perfect set-up. This morning we made some major changes to the set-up and it paid off. Directly after my first pit stop the tyre lost air and I had to come back into the pits. This cost us a lot of time. Still, we’re very relaxed. We know that our car is good enough to run with the leaders.”
Patrick Dempsey (#77): “My first stint was okay. I didn’t want to make a mistake so I didn’t push too hard. The constantly changing track conditions made the whole thing rather entertaining, but also tough. I’m definitely having a great time. The Porsche is fantastic to drive.”
Christian Ried (#88): “That was so funny on the track. It was really hard to adjust to the changing conditions. The main thing was to keep the car on the circuit and not do anything stupid.”
Positions after 9 hours
GTE-Pro class
1. Bell/Makowiecki/Senna (GB/F/BRA), Aston Martin, 125 laps
2. Dumbreck/Mücke/Turner (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 125
3. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 125
4. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 124
5. Fisichella/Bruni/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 123
GTE-AM class
1. Dempsey/Long/Foster (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 121 laps
2. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 121
3. Narrac/Bourret/Vernay (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 121
4. Perazzini/Case/O’Young (I/I/CDN), Ferrari 458 Italia, 121
6. Collard/Perrod/Crubile (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 119
7. Henzler/Gibon/Milesi (D/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 119
SOURCE:
Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
Porsche 911 RSR make up positions after start, Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC, rd 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France
Stuttgart. The race is on: On Saturday at 15.00 hours, the honorary starter of the Le Mans 24 Hour race Jim France, the founder of the American Grand-Am Series, sent the 56 cars on their way.
Watched by Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG, and Matthias Müller, Porsche AG Chairman of the Executive Board, two Porsche 911 RSR fielded by the Porsche AG Team Manthey as well as five customer team-run Porsche 911 GT3 RSR headed into the 81st edition of the most famous long distance race in the world.
In the first hour of the race, in which there was a long caution period due to an accident, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb (Germany) moved up into second place in the GTE-Pro class at the wheel of the Porsche 911 RSR with the starting number 92.
His works driver colleague Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) made up three places in the 911 RSR with the starting number 91 also run by Porsche AG Team Manthey and now ranks fourth.
In the GTE-Am class three Porsche 911 GT3 RSR sit in the lead: Front-runner is Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA), followed by his factory pilot colleague Wolf Henzler (Germany) and Paoli Ruberti (Italy).
SOURCE:
Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
Porsche 911 RSR sets the second fastest lap time in warm-up, Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC, rd 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France
Porsche. The Porsche AG Team Manthey squad has concluded the preparations for the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours on Saturday morning with the second fastest lap time in the GTE-Pro class.
It was posted by the Porsche 911 RSR with the starting number 92 shared by Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria).
The #91 Porsche 911 RSR with their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) scored the fourth quickest time.
In the GTE-Am class, Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) achieved the top time. He shares the cockpit of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Dempsey Del Piero-Proton squad with Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) and Joe Foster (both USA).
The Le Mans 24 Hours takes off today at 15.00 hours. Eurosport International and Eurosport 2 alternately broadcast the entire race live. On the internet the race can be viewed live on http://www.fiawec.com.
Quotes after the warm-up
Timo Bernhard (# 91): “We have checked the car again and everything is fine. Our times in each sector were good. I’m pleased that it will soon get going. We’re feeling confident for the race.”
Richard Lietz (# 92): “We practiced driver changes and went out with a full tank to find the braking points and to see how the car handles. We didn’t make any changes to the set-up. The warm-up is a great chance for drivers and teams to refocus again on the race.”
Romain Dumas (# 92): “The warm-up was the first time this weekend that I drove on a dry track, so it was important for me. The car felt good. We are all very confident for the race.”
Patrick Long (#77): “I used the warm-up to try out the medium tyres for the first time and that made a big difference. Unfortunately we were on the wrong tyres in qualifying but that’s the past. Patrick didn’t get a chance to drive because of the red flag. But that’s not so bad, he knows what to do. We have a good car for the race and we’re feeling very optimistic.”
Result warm-up
GTE-Pro class
1. Vilander/Kobayashi/Beretta (SF/J/MC), Ferrari 458 Italia, 3:58.796 min.
2. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/D), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:58.796
3. Bruni/Fisichella/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari 458 Italia, 3:59.935
4. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 4:00.593
5. Bertolini/Al Faisal/Qubaisi (I/KSA/UAE), Ferrari 458 Italia, 4:03.317
GTE-Am class
1. Long/Dempsey/Foster (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 3:58.358 min.
2. Nygaard/Simonsen/Poulsen (DK/DK/DK), Aston Martin, 4:01.401
3. Henzler/Milesi/Gibon (D/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:03.312
5. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:03.658
SOURCE:
Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
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Sports Car World Endurance Championship WEC, rd 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France: Best Porsche 911 RSR 3rd on grid at Le Mans debut
Stuttgart. At its first Le Mans 24 Hours outing, the best Porsche 911 RSR takes up the race on Saturday from the second grid row in the GTE-Pro class. In qualifying for the long distance classic in France, which was held for the first time 90 years ago,
Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) improved their time in the last lap and planted the #92 Porsche 911 RSR on third place.
Their factory pilot colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) concluded the qualifying in seventh at the wheel of the number 91 vehicle. Both 911 RSR are fielded by Porsche AG Team Manthey.
As the best Porsche in the GTE-Am class, the 911 GT3 RSR of the Proton Competition team in which Christian Ried (Germany) shares driving duties with his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti, achieved the second quickest time.
The 911 fielded by IMSA Performance Matmut with Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) as well as Frenchmen Pascal Gibon and Patrice Milesi set the fifth quickest time. At his first Le Mans start with Porsche,
Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) starts from seventh on the grid with support from Porsche works driver Patrick Long and Joe Foster (all USA).
The Le Mans 24 Hours takes off of Saturday at 15.00 hours. Eurosport broadcasts the entire race live on its channels Eurosport International and Eurosport 2.
On the internet, the long distance classic can be followed live on http://www.fiawec.com.
Quotes after the third qualifying
Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG:
“We are quite pleased with this result. Our aim was to beat Ferrari and we have achieved this. We’re only five-hundredths of a second shy of the first grid row which gives us hope for the race.”
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport:
“The changing weather conditions and many interruptions made for a pretty exciting qualifying. You could actually forget about a normal programme. Marc’s improvement to third place in the final lap has shown how important it was to push to the end today.”
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91):
“My qualifying was quite messed up. I went out on the first set of tyres but got held up by slower cars and had to reduce speed because the yellow flags came out. The same happened with my second set – first traffic, then yellow-flagged. In my third fast lap I went all out and was a bit late on the brakes in the first corner. That was the end of my qualifying. But Marc’s time underlined what would have been possible. This makes me confident for the race.”
Patrick Pilet (# 91):
“Our chances look good for the race. For me as a Frenchman Le Mans is the highlight of the year. To win here would be the greatest. We have a good car and we’ll do our utmost in the race.”
Timo Bernhard (# 91):
“The conditions were wrong today to learn anything significant about our car. I drove my five mandatory night laps. We could face such mixed conditions in the race, so it was important to see if everything was okay with the car. At the time I was sitting in the car it made no sense to risk too much.”
Marc Lieb (# 92):
“I spent about an hour at the wheel and was able to get used to the difficult conditions. The track was almost dry towards the end, only slightly damp in the second chicane. There I had to be careful on the brakes. Our car’s balance is good, not yet perfect, but we have definitely made great progress.
That I drove over the finish line three seconds before the end of the session and achieved the third fastest lap time was of course perfect timing. This is also a big motivation for the race. A huge thank you to my team. The boys have worked really hard over the last weeks and months to make our new 911 RSR even better.”
Richard Lietz (# 92):
“A good grid position in Le Mans is a matter of prestige, even if it doesn’t play a major role in the race. But when you come with a new car, like us, you naturally want to be as far up the front as possible, so we are delighted with third place.
Marc has made it more exciting and drove a great time right when everyone thought it was over.”
Romain Dumas (#92):
“In Le Mans the regulations stipulate that all competitors must turn five qualifying laps during the night. Since I didn’t get to drive yesterday, I turned my five laps today. At the time I went out, the track half dry, half wet. That wasn’t much fun.”
Wolf Henzler (#67):
“I was on wets, but the track was too dry for that towards the end. I should actually have gone out on slicks, but when the conditions are so difficult and it is night time, you obviously don’t want to take any unnecessary risks.”
Jean-Karl Vernay (#76):
“It’s not decisive whether you take up a 24 hour race from fifth, sixth or seventh place. That’s why we didn’t go all out to try and improve our time under such tricky conditions. We’ve added many new parts for the race and will attempt to finish as far up the field as possible.”
Christian Ried (#88):
“These conditions made it tough for everyone. You drive out, it starts to rain, you come in, the rain stops – this doesn’t give you the insights you need for the race. Today, it was really just a matter of us all turning our mandatory laps at night.”
Result 3rd qualifying
GTE-Pro class
1. Bell/Makowiecki/Senna (GB/F/BRA), Aston Martin, 3:54.635 minutes
2. Dumbreck/Mücke/Turner (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 3:55.445
3. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:55.491
4. Fisichella/Bruni/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 3:55.909
7. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:56.573
GTE-AM class
1. Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen (DK/DK/DK), Aston Martin, 3:57.776 minutes
2. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 3:58.889
3. Campbell/Goethe/Hall (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 3:59.805
5. Henzler/Gibon/Milesi (D/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:00.053
6. Collard/Perrod/Crubile (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:00.682
7. Dempsey/Long/Foster (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:00.916
8. Narrac/Bourret/Vernay (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:01.713
SOURCE:
Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC
Communication Porsche AG
Motorsport Press
VIDEO: New member of the Porsche motorsport family, Patrick Dempsey plays star role in Porsche films
Stuttgart. Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatomy”) plays himself in the new motorsport film from Porsche. At the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR the avid race driver contests the 24 Hours of Le Mans this coming weekend for the Dempsey Del Piero-Proton team.
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
The first of a series of films featuring Dempsey is available on Porsche’s Facebook page and on the Porsche YouTube channel.
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
“It’s nice to say that you are in the Porsche family,”
says Dempsey. “It’s an incredible family, a talented family with a lot of depth when it comes to technology, engineering and design.
It fills me with pride to now be a part of this family.”
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
The first movie is entitled “Porsche Motorsport: Growing the family with Patrick Dempsey” and was filmed at the American Le Mans Series race on the street circuit in Long Beach (USA).
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
In the GTC class, Dempsey contests the entire season of the U.S. race series with his teammates Andy Lally and Joe Foster in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup fielded by the Dempsey Del Piero Racing squad.
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Dempsey and Foster join forces with Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA).
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
SOURCE: Communication Porsche AG – Patrick Dempsey and Porsche Motorsport
- Dempsey Del Piero-Proton, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Patrick Dempsey
Motorsport Press
First qualifying in Le Mans for Porsche 911 RSR, Sports Car WEC round 3, Le Mans 24 Hours/France
Porsche AG Team Manthey
Stuttgart. Porsche AG Team Manthey used the first qualifying for the Le Mans 24 Hours on Wednesday primarily to work on the set-up of the new Porsche 911 RSR for its first outing at the world’s most famous long distance race.
The 911 RSR with the starting number 92, shared by Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France), Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria), performed impressively in free practice by setting the best time in the GTE-Pro class, and went on to post the fifth quickest time during the first qualifying held in the night.
At the wheel of the second 911 RSR with the starting number 91, their works driver colleagues Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) were clocked as seventh fastest.
The best Porsche in the GTE-Am class was the 911 GT3 RSR run by Proton Competition on second place. Christian Ried (Germany) and his Italian teammates Gianluca Roda and Paolo Ruberti share the cockpit.
The IMSA Performance Matmut 911 with Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) clinched the third quickest time.
In the 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Dempsey Del Piero Proton squad, the all-American line-up of Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey,
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Dempsey Dell Piero Proton: Patrick Dempsey, Joe Foster, Patrick Long
Porsche works driver Patrick Long and Joe Foster secured the seventh spot.
Quotes after the first qualifying
Joerg Bergmeister (# 91):
“My main priority was to turn my mandatory laps. I was driving on used tyres and everything went really smoothly. As a driver you’re never really satisfied but I think that as far as the race is concerned we are on the right track.”
Patrick Pilet (# 91):
Patrick Pilet and Timo Bernhard
“The balance of the car was okay. On the fastest lap I encountered a lot of traffic which cost me some time. For tomorrow we have to keep working on the balance.”
Timo Bernhard (# 91):
“Today wasn’t really a labour-intensive day. In free practice I turned three laps before the session was red-flagged. When I wanted to climb in the car for my last qualifying stint the red flag came out again and after that it was no longer possible to do anything. Now I hope that I get to drive a bit longer tomorrow.”
Marc Lieb (# 92):
Marc Lieb, Joerg Bergmeister, Porsche AG Team Manthey
“The qualifying was quite good. I went out on used tyres and that worked well. I’m happy with the car’s balance. Of course we have to tweak the set-up but I think that we’ll manage that before the race. Compared to Spa and Silverstone we’ve made great strides.”
Richard Lietz (# 92):
(l.-r.): Richard Lietz, Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb
“My first lap was really good, but I spun in the second. Luckily nothing happened and I then had no problems on the second set of tyres.”
Romain Dumas (# 92):
Romain Dumas
“Unfortunately I didn’t get the chance to drive during qualifying. I drove a couple of laps in free practice during the afternoon. It was great fun to be out on this track in a GT car.”
Marc Lieb, Romain Dumas, Porsche AG Team Manthey
Wolf Henzler (#67):
“Today was my first time with the car on new tyres. The balance is still not quite perfect. I hope that we can attack it again tomorrow.”
Jean-Karl Vernay (#76):
“We have made progress in all areas since the last race in Spa. On the straights we are still a little slower but we are closing in on our competitors. I’m getting to know the circuit better with every lap I drive.”
Patrick Long (#77):
“I initially went out on used tyres to get a feel for the car. When I then tried to go for a good qualifying time with soft tyres the yellow flag came out at the first corner. Afterwards I only had time to turn the required mandatory laps for the night qualifying.”
Patrick Dempsey (#77):
Patrick Dempsey, Dempsey Dell Piero-Proton
“I’m very pleased to compete in Le Mans with Porsche. This is really a fantastic experience. Of course there are still some things that need improving but it’s been quite a long time since I’ve driven laps at night on this difficult track. The Porsche is great fun to drive. I’ve learned a lot and I’m feeling confident that we’ll improve even more until the race.”
Paolo Ruberti (#88):
(l.-r.): Gianluca Roda, Christian Ried, Paolo Ruberti
“I was almost a second quicker than in free practice. In the first chicane I was a little too quick and I lost the rear. Luckily I didn’t hit anything.”
Result 1st qualifying
GTE-Pro class
1. Bell/Makowiecki/Senna (GB/F/BRA), Aston Martin, 3:55.658 minutes
2. Fisichella/Bruni/Malucelli (I/I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 3:55.909
3. Dumbreck/Mücke/Turner (GB/D/GB), Aston Martin, 3:56.004
5. Dumas/Lieb/Lietz (F/D/A), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:56.457
7. Bergmeister/Bernhard/Pilet (D/D/F), Porsche 911 RSR, 3:56.573
1. Nygaard/Poulsen/Simonsen (DK/DK/DK), Aston Martin, 3:58.661 minutes
2. Ried/Roda/Ruberti (D/I/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 3:59.246
3. Henzler/Gibon/Milesi (D/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:00.053
5. Narrac/Bourret/Vernay (F/F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:01.713
7. Dempsey/Long/Foster (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 4:03.378
Le Mans 24 Hours and the sports car World Endurance Championship WEC
Porsche Everyday Dedeporsches Blog 