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Stuttgart. The Motorsport Newsletter regularly provides the latest information to keep you up updated on Porsche Motorsports all around the world.
Nürburgring
Porsche Intelligent Performance: First win for Hybrid race car on the ‘Ring’ With the further-developed Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid,
(l.-r.): Richard Lietz, Marco Holzer, Patrick Long
works drivers Marco Holzer, Richard Lietz and Patrick Long clinched the maiden win for a hybrid race car on the Nürburgring Nordschleife (28 May). Whilst almost all direct opponents needed three pit stops to refuel at the very fast four hour race, the innovative Porsche stopped only twice, providing the decisive advantage in the race.
Spain
Blancpain Endurance Series: Porsche trio stays at the top
With third overall at the second race of the new European GT series held on the northern Spanish track in Navarra (22 May),
(l.-r.): Raffaele Giammaria, Gianluca Roda, Paolo Ruberti
Porsche Cup winner Gianluca Roda as well as Paolo Ruberti and Raffaele Giammaria held on to their points’ lead. After three hours and 102 laps on the 3.9 kilometre circuit, the Italian trio saw the flag 25 seconds off the winner in a 911 GT3 R of Autorlando Sport. Roda and his teammates had won the first race in Monza.
France
French GT Championship: Beltoise and Pasquali defend points’ lead
Scoring third place twice at round three of the French GT Championship in Dijon-Prenois (13/15 May), Anthony Beltoise and Laurent Pasquali defended their position at the top of the table in a 911 GT3 R fielded by Pro-GT by Almeras. Title defenders Patrick Bornhauser and Laurent Groppi finished race one ranking second in Larbre Compétition’s 911 GT3 R.
Australia
Australian GT Championship: two weekends, two Porsche wins
David Wall is the overall winner of the third race weekend on the Eastern Creek Raceway (28/29 May) west of Sydney. The reigning GT champion planted a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup S on second place in race one on Saturday and won Sunday’s partly wet race. At the second race meeting in Winton (21/22 May) north of Melbourne, the overall winner of the weekend was Dean Grant in a 911 GT3 Cup S run by Vodka O Racing.
Spain
Porsche Mobil1 Supercup: Perfect Monaco weekend for the champion
Pole position, fastest race lap, light to flag win: perfect outcome for reigning champion René Rast in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup of VELTINS Lechner Racing at round three in Monaco (29 May).
Britain’s Nick Tandy snatched the series’ lead with second after the 16-lap sprint. Victory at round two in Barcelona (22 May) went to Tandy’s compatriot Sean Edwards.
Nick Tandy – René Rast – Sean Edwards
Asia
Carrera Cup Asia: Four straight wins for Alexandre Imperatori
At the second race weekend in China’s Zhuhai (27/29 May) it was 24-year-old newcomer Alexandre Imperatori all the way. With these two victories in the 911 GT3 Cup of the StarChase squad, the Swiss-German has now proved unbeatable after four wins in succession.
Twice, Keita Sawa brought his 2010-spec GT3 Cup home in second. Rodolfo Avila from Macau secured the last podium spot for himself to now rank second on the points’ table.
Netherlands
Carrera Cup Deutschland: Home win for Bleekemolen, inspired show from Tandy
Jeroen Beekemolen (Team Deutsche Post by tolimit) from the Netherlands scored a clear lights-to-flag victory at round two in Zandvoort. Second place went to Martin Ragginger, 3.3 seconds adrift of Bleekemolen.
(l.-r.): Martin Ragginger, Jeroen Bleekemolen, Nick Tandy
However, the hero of the 19-lap sprint on the dune circuit was Nick Tandy.
Taking up the race from the last grid spot, the Briton made a bolt through the field to finish in third. With this, the winner of the season-opener retained his points’ lead.
France
Carrera Cup France: Kevin Estre again scores a double win
The dominant driver at the third race weekend was again Kevin Estre in the 911 GT3 Cup of AS Events. With two victories and the lap record at both races (15 May) on the swiftest track of the year in Dijon-Prenois, Estre extended his lead. After a double victory in Nogaro (24 April), the Frenchman has now been unbeaten at the last four races.
Italy
Carrera Cup Italia: Maiden win for Marco Mapelli, Balzan defends points’ lead
Reigning champion Alessandro Balzan celebrated his second win of the season at round three in the Autodromo di Franciacorta near Brescia in northern Italy in an Ebimotors’ 911 GT3 Cup.
Allessandro Balzan
The second race of the weekend (14/15 May) went to his 23-year-old teammate Marco Mapelli.
Marco Mapelli
Last year, Mapelli won the Cup class of the Italian GT Championship and now contests his first Carrera Cup Italia season.
Japan
Carrera Cup Japan: Hideto Yasuoka proves invincible
Hideto Yasuoka
Victory at the 2010 finale, victory at race one of 2011 in Fuji. And now first at both races in Okayama (21/22 May): Hideto Yasuoka, a young emerging driver supported by Porsche Japan, has a strong grip on his rivals.
Behind the vice-champion, who took off from pole position and turned the fastest race lap twice in Okayama came Akira in second place.
Scandinavia
Carrera Cup Scandinavia: Robin Rudholm hits the ground running
With three straight wins at the third race weekend in Sweden’s Mantorp (21/22 May)
(l.-r.): Linus Ohlsson, Robin Rudholm, Johan Kristoffersson
reigning champion Robin Rudholm (31, Xlander Racing) increased his points’ lead slightly over 22-year-old Johan Kristoffersson (Kristoffersson Motorsport) and his 20-year-old teammate Linus Ohlsson.
Canada
GT3 Cup Challenge Canada: Gripping start of the 20th one-make race series
Two sprint races in the Calabogie Motorsports Park (14/15 May, Ontario) kicked off the first season of the GT3 Cup Challenge Canada.
Fending off a hefty attack from Marco Cirone, Speed Merchants/Fiorano Racing pilot Perry Bortolotti won both heats in the Platinum Cup class for current 911 GT3 Cup race cars.
GT3 Cup Challenge Canada, Ontario, P1: Perry Bortolotti
Both races of the Gold Cup class for older models went to Martin Harvey in the GT3 Cup fielded by Wingho Motorsports Racing/McDonalds.
Source: Porsche Press Database Public Relations and Media
Motor and Sports Press
Oliver Hilger
Troy Lee’s Design Celebrates History of Porsche at Le Mans
June 1, 2011 – Flying Lizard revealed today a commemorative livery for the No. 80 and No. 81 Flying Lizard Porsches for the 2011 24 Heures du Mans. Created by California-based artist Troy Lee, the livery celebrates the history of Porsche at Le Mans, featuring the 28 drivers who have won the 24 Heures du Mans overall in a Porsche.
The No. 80 and No. 81 designs are identical, implemented in complementary colors: candy metallic orange for the No. 80 and candy metallic blue for the No. 81; both anchored by a deep ocean blue. Primary colors provide a backdrop for the driver names and flags which weave throughout the design on the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
The Flying Lizard Porsche livery will be officially unveiled at scrutineering on Monday, June 6 in Le Mans at approximately 13.30 CET (just prior to the scheduled scrutineering time for the No. 80). “2011 is a special year for Flying Lizard at Le Mans: our first time fielding two entries,” said Flying Lizard VP of Marketing, Jennifer Hart. “The livery commemorates the heritage of Porsche at Le Mans, starting with drivers Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood, who secured the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970*. The 911 is an ideal canvas for Troy Lee’s beautiful tribute to this iconic race.”
Troy Lee described the concept of the design, “I started with the vibrant colors of the drivers’ country flags: imagining how they could be put to life on a racecar, as if they were blowing by on the front straight. Once we had the theme, we focused on making it come to life in 3D. The challenge was to really show off the depth and movement of these amazing cars, while maintaining the integrity of the Porsche design.”
Lee continued, “A crucial part of this project was getting the right paint: We worked extensively with PPG Industries to develop these custom colors, both for their liveliness and for the depth of the metallic colors. Using the candy paint as a base, we then created the intricate backdrop of asymmetric shapes to balance the design and create the sense of speed.”
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President of Porsche Motorsport North America Jens Walther added, “We are proud that Flying Lizard chose to honor the 28 drivers who have stood on the top step of the podium for Porsche at Le Mans. This design exemplifies the effort that Flying Lizard puts into every aspect of their race preparation, and shows why Lizard drivers have won the American Le Mans Series GT championship for the last three years.” Flying Lizard initiated the project with Troy Lee in late 2010. Hart added, “We worked with Troy’s team for several months to finalize the concept and design. The livery is a combination of candy paint overlaid with vinyl. The vinyl was custom-tailored to each Porsche and applied at our shop in Sonoma by Iconography Studios. Each car has a clear coat to protect the graphics. We are thrilled with the end result; the Porsches are uniquely beautiful and seem to be almost humming with energy.”
Click here for full list of drivers featured in the livery.
Flying Lizard also launched today new team merchandise which features the unique livery design. Click here for details.
Flying Lizard Driver Lineup
Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Long (USA) and Lucas Luhr (Germany) will team in the Flying Lizard No. 80 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the GTE Pro class. Darren Law (USA), Seth Neiman (USA) and Spencer Pumpelly (USA) will pilot the Flying Lizard No. 81 Porsche in the GTE Am class.
Follow the Race
The 24 Heures du Mans will get the green flag at 15.00h CET (6:00 am PT) on Saturday June 11. The race will be broadcast live in its entirety on Eurosport in Europe and partial coverage on SpeedTV in the United States. Radio Le Mans will broadcast live English language radio coverage. Flying Lizard will broadcast the team radio live throughout the race; read the team race blog for frequent team updates at www.lizardms.com
About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Flying Lizard Motorsports has competed in the American Le Mans Series GT class since 2004. The team has finished in the top three in the ALMS GT drivers’ and team championships every year since 2004. In 2010, Flying Lizard No. 45 drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long won a hard-fought battle for the GT drivers’ championship. In 2009 and 2008, the team swept all ALMS GT titles: drivers’ championship (Bergmeister and Long in 2009, Bergmeister and Wolf Henzler in 2008); Flying Lizard won the team championship; and Porsche won the manufacturer championship. In 2009, the Flying Lizard No. 44 Porsche also won the Michelin Green X Challenge championship.
Flying Lizard has also competed in the 24 Heures du Mans from 2005 through 2010, finishing third in 2005, fourth in 2006, and sixth in 2008. The team is sponsored in the ALMS by Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OPWV), a global software innovator delivering context-aware mediation and messaging solutions for communication service providers and eSilicon, a semiconductor company.
Basis for the first victory was certainly the lower consumption of the hybrid compared to the other cars.
At the fourth round of the VLN, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid celebrate the first victory – only two stops as the key to success
Less recharge, drive longer: this is the recipe for success of the enhanced Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid.
With version 2.0, Porsche works driver Richard Lietz, Marco Holzer and Patrick Long drove in the fourth round of the Endurance Championship for the first victory of the hybrid race car from Weissach.
While almost all direct competitors stopped three times to refuel in the pits, the hybrid with just two stops, was victory and checkered flag for the Porsche hybrid.
The second race of the 911 GT3 R hybrid in the Endurance Championship in 2011 is the successful completion of the intensive preparation for the 24-hour race Nürburgring 25-26. June.
“We are using the technical specifications of the vehicle and the reliability of the hybrid system extremely satisfied,” saysPorsche head of motorsport Hartmut Kristen.
“We have over the competition a pit stop saving and go with less energy input from the outside similarly fast lap times. This is what we mean by Porsche Intelligent Performance. I am particularly pleased that even the 911 GT3 RSR by Manthey Racing the known efficiency of the Porsche 911 models could prove, and was number two. “
The focus of the development of the Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid was clearly on the increase in efficiency. For this, the vehicle weight was reduced from 1,350 kg to 1,300, which even the hybrid components are involved. Their weight was reduced by 20 percent by direct optimization. The general hybrid layout was taken from the 2010 model.
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The power used in the portal axle two electric motors has been increased from every 60 to 75 kilowatts. Overall, the pilot of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 seconds, an additional capacity of around 200 horsepower, which corresponds to a lap on the Nordschleife of an additional conventional capacity of approximately 23 kW (32 hp). The electric power is automatically supplied as programmed when the accelerator pedal.
In addition, the pilot, the hybrid-electric auxiliary power to retrieve it manually, for example when overtaking. While the portal axle drives the front wheels, was the 4.0-liter, now 465 hp six-cylinder boxer engine that delivers its power to the rear axle, cut back in power, and optimized in terms of fuel consumption.
“We ran like clockwork with hybrid penalty,” said Marco Holzer.
“The key to success was now near the low fuel consumption and reliable technology that all drivers were on a uniformly high level of the road and have made no mistakes,” added teammate Richard Lietz.
A trouble-free race also went to the yellow-green Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of the Manthey team.
With seven seconds behind occupied Lieb, Luhr and Dumas in second place.
“This was an almost perfect race. Unfortunately, our 911 GT3 R, the cockpit I’ve shared with Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas, roughly by a competitor of the runway bowled,” said double starter Marc Lieb..
Oliver Hilger-Photo Porsche
Nürburgring Long Distance Championship PHOTOS: Porsche AG Press
Porsche Hybrid GT3 R beim freien Training der VLN auf der Nordschleife 29.04.2011
Stuttgart. The development of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 is running at full revs.
This Saturday, April 30th, the further-developed version of the innovative Hybrid race car contests round two of the Nürburgring Long Distance Championship (VLN).
Another test under race conditions is planned at the fourth VLN round on 28 May.
At the race debut of the modified version of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid on 30th April, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany),
Porsche takes up the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 25 June with a further developed version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid.
So, what’s been done with this latest Porsche 911 Hybrid race car?
Priority of the development was given to the improvement of efficiency through the targeted optimisation of hybrid components, which also resulted in a 20 percent weight reduction. Version 2.0 of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is intended to achieve the same lap times as its predecessor but with less fuel consumption.
The general layout of the hybrid was adopted from the 2010 model. A portal axle with two electric motors drives the front wheels and supplements the four-litre, depending on the balance of performance classification approximately 470 hp, six-cylinder boxer engine at the rear. The output of both electric motors has increased from 60 to 75 kilowatts each. For seconds at a time, pilots now have almost an additional 200 hp at their disposal with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0.
Depending on the programming, this power is automatically activated through use of the throttle pedal. Moreover, pilots can manually call up this extra power, for instance when overtaking.
The electric flywheel accumulator, with its rotor spinning up to 40,000 rpm and stor-ing energy mechanically as rotational energy, is now housed with the other hybrid components in a carbon fibre safety cell on the passenger’s side.
At first glance, the new GT3 R Hybrid is clearly distinguishable from the 2010 model. Thanks to the optimisation of the hybrid system’s high voltage components, the large louvres in front of the rear fenders were no longer necessary. This reduces drag and also lowers fuel consumption. All in all, the weight of the vehicle decreased from 1,350 to 1,300 kilograms. “We’ve collected a great deal of information from our races on the Nürburgring, at the ALMS race at Road Atlanta in the USA, as well as from the ILMC race on China’s Zhuhai circuit, which was an invaluable help for the further development of our racing laboratory,” says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche motorsport.
“The emphasis of our work was on improving efficiency. That means we want to keep the lap times consis-tent with 2010 but use less energy, hence less fuel. In this way, we support future developments of road-going, sporting hybrid vehicles.”
The cockpit of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid has also been completely revised. Most of the displays and controls have moved to the steering wheel. Drivers can operate the rest of the functions via backlit buttons now situated on the centre console.
Priority was placed on the ergonomics and the clear layout for pilots – particularly in darkness.
The new 911 GT3 R Hybrid is a perfect example of the ‘Porsche Intelligent Performance’ philosophy, a principle found in every Porsche: More power on less fuel, more efficiency and lower CO2 emissions – on the race track and on the road.
Watch as Porsche Factory Driver Patrick Long and Chef Sosa take the Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid through New York City to Union Square Market to prepare for an evening of Healthy Intelligent Performance.
Livestream Poggenpohl Event
Healthy Intelligent Performance w/Top Chef Angelo Sosa and Porsche Race
Car Driver/Les Mans Champion Patrick Long
The original recipes below were developed by Chef Angelo Sosa exclusively for Porsche Cars North America and the Porsche Healthy Intelligent Performance event. BREAKFAST
HIGH-PERFORMER’S MILKSHAKE
5 OZ. WHEATIES
3 PC. CARDAMOM
1 PC. STAR ANISE
16 OZ. SOY MILK
2 T. AGAVE NECTAR
METHOD: INFUSE WITH SOME SPICES STAR ANISE, CARDAMOM AND WHEATIES
WITH THE SOY MILK. BRING THE MILK TO A SIMMER, ADD ALL THE INGREDIENTS
AND LET IT STEEP AS IF IT WAS A TEA. REMOVE THE SPICES AND BLEND THE
LIQUID MIXTURE, AND CHILL AND SERVE.
“MODERN BAGEL”
½ LB. CREAM CHEESE
½ LB. SMOKED SALMON
4 OZ. MILK
1 TSP. SALT
GARNISH: CAPERS, DILL
METHOD: BLEND ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER IN VITA PREP AND PLACE INTO SIS
WHIP CREAM GUN—AERATE SALMON MOUSSE ONTO MINI BAGELS, GARNISH WITH
CAPER AND DILL PLUCHES
PICKLED BEETS WITH CURRIED HONEY
1 LB. BEETS, BABY
1 OZ. EVOO
½ OZ. THYME
1 T. SALT
2 OZ. WATER
Angelo Sosa Bio
“As a chef, I’m loyal to my classic training, but with a passion for innovation. I love extracting and blending flavors and taking the ordinary to new heights.”
TruSpeed Motorsports, based in Costa Mesa, Calif., today announced the signing of Patrick Long to race the #45 PrivacyStar Porsche GT3 Cup Car in the 2011 Pirelli World Challenge Championships Series.
After much speculation, Long will first race for TruSpeed starting with the season opener of the WC Series this weekend, March 25-27 on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL.
Rob Morgan, 1996 Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona GTS-1 class winner, runs TruSpeed Motorsports, and will drive the #46 Entrust/TruSpeed Porsche GT3 Cup for the season.
Photo: TruSpeed Motorsports
Photo from The FRS Company
Long said, “I’m excited at the chance to do some sprint racing, in a tough series and with a very strong team. TruSpeed has a great team structure with some awesome people that I have worked with in the past. That was the initial draw for me to this idea, then getting to know Rob and just how passionate he is about his racing made it a no-brainer to sign up with these guys.
I like that Pirelli World Challenge is unique – standing starts, sprint formats, double-header weekends, all that. I will be jumping in Thursday cold turkey, but I love St. Pete’s street circuit and it helps that it’s just down the road from where I’ve been living for the past four years.”
Long will race in all the events except for Miller, which conflicts with his European test schedule. Kelly Collins will take Long’s place at the Utah round of the championship.
Team owner Rob Morgan was elated to announce the hiring of Long. “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Patrick this season, particularly as a driver. Having him around to help us continue to develop as a team will be fantastic, and I know he’ll push me as a driver. Having someone with his record of success and skill involved will help us grow, both on and off track. I can’t wait to get to work at St. Pete this weekend, and to start building on the successes we’ve had in the past.”
The Pirelli World Challenge Series kicks off this weekend with twin races on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, Saturday and Sunday, March 26-27.
The Pirelli World Challenge Series GT class features Porsches, Corvettes, Mustangs, Volvos, Vipers, Nissan GT-Rs – and this year, Cadillacs – and will race 12 times over eight events. Venues are
TruSpeed Motorsports was founded in 2001 by Rob and Charles Morgan, over the years racing in the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge and World Challenge. TruSpeed runs a robust arrive-and-drive and trackday business, as well as a street and race car sales and service facility in Orange County, California.
Porsche Junior star graduates to works driver for 2011. After his three year training stint as a Porsche Junior,Marco Holzerhas now been signed on as a factory pilot.
Stuttgart. Porsche Motorsport heads into the 2011 racing season in strong form. The works driver squad grows from eight to nine pilots. After his three year training stint as a Porsche Junior, Marco Holzer has now been signed on as a factory pilot. Established pilots Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, Wolf Henzler, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Patrick Long and Patrick Pilet continue their contracts in 2011.
Porsche Factory Works Drivers 2011: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas, Richard Lietz, Marco Holzer, Marc Lieb, Patrick Pilet and Wolf Henzler
As part of the “Night of Champions” season-closing celebration in the R&D Centre at Weissach, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Board Member for Research and Development, praised the excellent performance of the Porsche works drivers: “Aside from the technology of the vehicles and the performance of the teams, our pilots contributed significantly to the huge success that we achieved in 2010. They are the ones who had to make the right decisions within fractions of seconds and deliver their best performances in our cars over many hours.”
Two Porsche factory pilots received special distinctions in the 2010 season. Timo Bernhard, the first to win the world’s four major long distance races and hence the Motorsport Grand Slam, was selected by a jury of experts as the ADAC Race Driver of the Year. Richard Lietz, who won the GT2 classification at the Le Mans 24 Hours as well as the championship title of the Le Mans Series, received the Austrian Race Driver of the Year award by the Austrian Motorsport Association committee (OSK).
In his speech, Dürheimer stressed the special role of motorsport for the future of the automobile: “Right now, motor racing has the historic chance to take the lead in important technological advances. Fielding the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, we have shown how you put crucial ground-breaking technology to the test with success on the race circuit. We will continue to determinedly blaze a trail and we believe that sooner or later other manufacturers will follow suit. But to do this you need courageous and visionary rule-makers who recognise this opportunity and, in conjunction with manufacturers, implement the new challenges in a clear, stable and long term system of regulations.”
Furthermore, Dürheimer applauded the impressive career of the RS Spyder sports prototype. After a total of 12 championship titles, 13 overall and 35 class victories in the American Le Mans Series, the Le Mans Series and at Le Mans, the RS Spyder programme was concluded as planned.
Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, accentuated the special position in international customer sport: “30,000 racing victories, more than 500 teams throughout the world and over 2,000 units of the 911 GT3 Cup produced – such numbers are unparalleled anywhere on earth. Every Porsche carries racing genes. And these genes will also be present in the Porsche models that we develop in the future. Because these vehicles are the basis for the race cars that will bring home victories in the future in the hands of our customer teams worldwide.”
Photo: TruSpeed Motorsports
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