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Traditionally, the 24 hour race on the Daytona International Speedway is the first highlight of the motorsport season and year after year attracts the best pilots from all kinds of race series worldwide to the ‘Sunshine State’ of the USA.
Spearheaded by title defender Wolf Henzler (Germany), seven Porsche works drivers contest the strongly supported GT class. With 22 overall wins, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer in the history of the race.
The race
The endurance classic, which kicks off the Grand-Am Series season, started out in 1962 as a three hour race. At 1,250 miles in 1964, the race grew to double the distance of the classic 1,000 kilometre races of Spa, Monza and the Nürburgring. The maiden 24 hour event in Daytona took place in 1966. Due to the oil crisis in 1974 the race was not run. Taking their places on the winner’s list are Formula 1 champions like Phil Hill and Mario Andretti as well as legendary Porsche pilots like Hans Herrmann, Rolf Stommelen, Hurley Haywood and Bob Wollek.
The circuit
The Daytona International Speedway is one of the world’s most famous race tracks. The 24 hour race is contested on the 5.729 kilometre track combination of oval with banked corner and the infield. The circuit is also the venue for the famed NASCAR Daytona 500 race with over 250,000 spectators annually.
The Porsche drivers
In the traditionally very competitive GT class, seven Porsche works drivers have victory in sight with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup:
Title defender Wolf Henzler competes for TRG Racing, Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) line up for Flying Lizard Motorsports, their winning team from the American Le Mans Series. Alex Job Racing has Marco Holzer (Germany) onboard, with Patrick Pilet (Franc) taking the wheel of the second TRG-Porsche. Magnus Racing competes with Richard Lietz (Austria), whilst his teammate in the new World Endurance Championship, Marc Lieb (Germany), lines up for Brumos Racing.
One of the partners of the Porsche works driver is the US racing legend Hurley Haywood (USA). With five overall and six class victories, Haywood is the most successful pilot ever in Daytona. On 4 May he celebrates his 64th birthday.
US racing legendHurley Haywood (USA)
Also taking up the race with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup is Audi factory pilot Mike Rockenfeller (Switzerland).
Audi factory pilotMike Rockenfeller (Switzerland)
In recognition of their brilliant performances in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Porsche AG gave the two-time champion René Rast (Germany) as well as “Rookie of the Year” Kévin Estre (France) the chance to compete at Daytona.
Two-time championRené Rast (Germany)
“Rookie of the Year” Kévin Estre (France)
What they said before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport:
“Daytona is always a very special race for Porsche. Our Porsche teams have already yielded many great results here with the Porsche 911. And with 21 vehicles we are very well represented again this year. For teams like Brumos who compete in 2012 as title defenders of the Grand-Am Series, it is particularly exciting that the most important race of the year is also the start of the season. And it will be particularly interesting to see the new competitors who compete with modified and, in fact, more powerful GT3 vehicles.”
Jörg Bergmeister:
“After the long break over winter, this race is a great way to get ready for the new season. Porsche was always very strong in Daytona. I last won the race here in 2009 and I’m feeling quite confident that we’ll be good for a win again this year. The competition was never this strong. It’ll be a tough fight from start to finish.”
Joerg Bergmeister (Germany)
Patrick Long:
“Our excursion into the prototype class last year was an interesting experience. But now I’m looking forward to racing a 911 again in Daytona. The fact that our GT-class rivals are not only much stronger in sheer numbers makes the task for us and our team even more interesting.”
Patrick Long (USA)
Marc Lieb:
“Our tests ran well in Daytona and I’m sure that we’ll be competitive in the race. The 24 Hours of Daytona is always a cool event, and added to this is the unbelievably big grid for the 50th anniversary. I’m looking forward to driving for such a well established and successful team like Brumos Racing with the legendary starting number 59.”
Marc Lieb (Germany)
Wolf Henzler:
“When we tested I was really impressed by the strength of our competition. With 42 GT cars on the grid, it’ll certainly not be an easy race. I imagine things will get really tough right from the start flag. I’m driving again for TRG, the team with which I won last year. My teammates are very strong and of course I’ll do my best to repeat my victory from last year.”
Wolf Henzler (Germany)
Marco Holzer:
“It’s a fantastic challenge to start the season with a 24 hour race, and a classic like Daytona at that. I very much like this circuit. It’s demanding but real fun. We did a great deal of work on the car with my team Alex Job Racing. I’m quite optimistic for the race.”
Marco Holzer (Germany)
Richard Lietz:
“Great that the season finally gets underway. The GT class booms, the competition is stronger this year than ever before. That will surely be an interesting race. We always had a good car in the last years and we are keen to continue the success streak of Porsche in Daytona.”
Richard Lietz (Austria)
Patrick Pilet:
“Driving in Daytona is something very special for us all. This race is a legend and a great challenge, particularly in its anniversary year. Manufacturers send the best GT teams with very strong driver contingents to Daytona. The fight for victory is open like never before.”
Patrick Pilet (France)
Porsche successes
With 22 overall and 72 class victories, Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Daytona 24 hour race.
The first overall win for Porsche was in 1968 with Vic Elford, Jochen Neerpasch, Rolf Stommelen, Jo Siffert and Hans Herrmann with the Porsche 907.
The latest win in 2010 went to Joao Barbosa, Terry Borcheller, Ryan Dalziel and Mike Rockenfeller with the Porsche-Riley. In 2003, Joerg Bergmeister, Timo Bernhard, Kevin Buckler and Michael Schrom clinched a sensational overall win with the near-standard Porsche 911 GT3 RS against more powerful Daytona prototypes.
In the previous year, Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler secured the GT class victory at the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
The schedule
The 24 hour race in Daytona starts on Saturday, 28 January, at 15.30 hrs local time (21.30 hrs CET).
Other interesting facts
– Marking the longest winning streak in the history of the race, Porsche notched up a total of eleven overall victories between 1977 and 1987. Add the class victories to this and Porsche has 21 wins in succession between 1966 and 1987 (in 1974 the race was not contested due to the oil crisis).
– According to statistics, Porsche veteran Hurley Haywood has turned more than 18,800 laps from his 37 Daytona starts to date and with this has completed almost 110,000 kilometres – that’s far more than two and a half times the circumference of the earth. For this, the Porsche dealer from Jacksonville/Florida has spent 476 hours behind the wheel and used around 1,100 sets of tyres.
– Right behind front-runner Hurley Haywood with five overall wins (1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1991) in the all-time list of winners at Daytona are two further Porsche pilots: Rolf Stommelen (1968, 1978, 1980, 1982) and Bob Wollek (1983, 1985, 1989, 1991) each with four overall victories.
The calendar
Thirteen races in the USA and Canada make up the calendar of the Grand-Am Series for 2012:
28/29.01. 24 Hours Daytona/Florida
01.04. Birmingham/Alabama
29.04. Miami/Florida
13.05. Millville/New Jersey
03.06. Detroit/Michigan
10.06. Lexington/Ohio
24.06. Elkhart Lake/Wisconsin
01.07 6 Hours Watkins Glen/New York
29.07. Indianapolis/Indiana
12.08. Watkins Glen/New York
19.08. Montreal/Canada
09.09. Laguna Seca/California
28.09. Lime Rock, Connecticut
This year marks an important race in the manufacturer’s history because we will be celebrating 50 years at Daytona. As the most winning Marque of the Rolex 24, Porsche will be the official pace car of the 24 hour race, showcasing the new 911. Porsche Cars North America is excited to announce the return of the two-day customer hospitality program at the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Each hospitality package is $300 and includes an official race ticket to the Rolex 24 and access to the Porsche hospitality tent Saturday (Jan 28) and Sunday (Jan 29) with the following amenities:
Food and Beverage (3 meals per day)
Lounge area
Track feed from the race
Team/Sponsor presentations
Driving Simulators for xBox
Gift bag
In addition to the Rolex 24 at Daytona, any additional customer hospitality programs that will be implemented later in the year will appear on the same website. Dealers, customers, and prospects are able to use this site to order any of the motorsport hospitality packages.
For more information on each of the events or to order hospitality packages please visit:www.porscheracingusa.com.
American Le Mans Series, round 9 / Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, round 6 in Road Atlanta, USA
Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Long (USA) and Patrick Pilet (France)
Stuttgart. A strong season finale for Porsche in the American Le Mans Series: At the thrilling 1,000 mile Petit Le Mans race in Road Atlanta, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Long (USA) and Patrick Pilet (France) snatched second place in a heart-stopping final.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports – Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Long (USA) and Patrick Pilet (France)
At the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, the trio were a mere six seconds shy of a GT class victory after more than nine and a half hours packed with tough fights for positions and many changes at the lead. Their second position secured the vice-championship for Porsche in the race series featuring the world’s fastest sports cars.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports – Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA)
”Patrick Long added:
“We stuck to our plan and kept out of any trouble so that we could attack in the last ten laps. This plan worked.”
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports – Porsche works driver Patrick Pilet (France)
“It was a fantastic experience to contest the Petit Le Mans for Flying Lizard Motorsports,” said Patrick Pilet.
“Over the course of the race the balance of our car became better and better and towards the end it was virtually perfect. I’m totally happy.
On the time-honoured circuit in the US state of Georgia, Joerg Bergmeister again showed nerves of steel, waiting until the penultimate lap before making his decisive move on the BMW in front of him.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports – Porsche works driver Joerg Bergmeister (Germany)
“In my last stint I speculated that I would be able to snatch the BMW,” said the five-time Road Atlanta winner.
“I used the traffic after the safety car phase, took a risk and overtook him on the outside through Turn six. I’m pleased that I secured the decisive points to win the tyre manufacturers’ classification for Michelin.”
His teammates Patrick Long and Patrick Pilet had laid the foundation for this success with their faultless performances.
Another decisive factor in this good result aside from the strong performance of the drivers was the perfect work of the pit crew.
“The entire Flying Lizard squad did a tremendous job. Every single pit stop was incredible,” commented Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport.
“Through their excellent effort, the team compensated very well for the handicap from the Balance of Performance measures that were again in place here. In a sensational push at the end, Joerg Bergmeister secured second place and this gave our partner Michelin the tyre manufacturers’ title. Well done to all those who contributed to this success.”
Rounding off the excellent team result for Porsche at the 1,000 mile classic was Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) and his teammates Bryan Sellers (USA) and Martin Ragginger (Austria).
Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) and his teammate Martin Ragginger (Austria)
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Martin Ragginger
Driving the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Falken Tire, they brought home fifth place.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Martin Ragginger
“I’m very pleased with this,” said Wolf Henzler, winner of the races in Mid-Ohio and Baltimore together with Bryan Sellers.
“We drove a controlled race and didn’t take any unnecessary risks. I can look back on a good season with two victories to our credit. That was more than we had expected.”
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Marco Holzer, Darren Law, Seth Neiman
Factory pilot colleague Marco Holzer (Germany) and his American teammates Seth Neiman und Darren Law saw the flag in eighth place in the second Flying-Lizard Porsche.
Darren Law
Victory in the GTC class went to Porsche Supercup pilots Jeroen and Sebastiaan Bleekemolen (Netherlands) together with American Tim Pappas, who won the title.
Petit Le Mans, which counts as a round of the GTE Am class of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, brought no luck for Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria):
Porsche works driver Richard Lietz (Austria)
With the Proton Competition-run Porsche 911 GT3 RSR he lay in the lead, but had to retire after 163 laps with a damaged drive system.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Proton Competition: Richard Lietz, Christian Ried, Mark Bullitt
Statistics: 9th and final race in Road Atlanta, Georgia
Result GT class
1. Fisichella/Bruni/Kaffer (I/I/D), Ferrari F458 Italia, 367 laps
2. Bergmeister/Long/Pilet (D/USA/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 367
3. Werner/Auberlen/Farfus (D/USA/BRA), BMW M3 GT, 367
4. Magnussen/Gavin/Westbrook (DK/GB/GB), Chevrolet Corvette, 366
5. Henzler/Sellers/Ragginger (D/USA/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 365
6. Sharp/van Overbeek/Farnbacher (USA/USA/D), Ferrari F458 Italia, 365
8. Holzer/Neiman/Law (D/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 361
11. Maassen/Miller/Collard (D/USA/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 357
Result GTC class
1. J./S. Bleekemolen/Pappas (NL/NL/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 346 laps
2. Sweedler/Keen/Wong (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 346
3. Pumpelly/Ende/Ludwig (USA/USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 345
Final standings GT class Drivers
1. Dirk Müller, Joey Hand, BMW, 161 points
2. Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Chevrolet, 135
3. Dirk Werner, Bill Auberlen, BMW, 129
4. Joerg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Porsche, 102
5. Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Porsche, 97
6. Jaime Melo, Toni Vilander, Ferrari, 83
Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 180 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 139
3. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 115
4. Team Falken Tire, Porsche, 97
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Facts and Figures
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
As part of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, the GTE Am class is also contested in Road Atlanta. The difference to the GT class: Vehicles in the 2010 technical specification may be entered and the rules stipulate that only one professional race driver per vehicle is permitted.
All classes start together but are classified separately. This ensures racing that is exciting and constantly changing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are awarded only for placings in each class.
Stuttgart. The Porsche works drivers start the final race of the Le Mans Series season from promising positions.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
Posting grid position three, title defender Richard Lietz (Austria) clinched the best result of the season with the 911 GT3 RSR in the GTE Pro sports car category.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton, Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz
On the fourth spot, Marco Holzer (Germany) takes up the six hour race alongside Lietz on the 4.182 kilometre former Grand Prix circuit of Estoril.
Marco Holzer (Germany)
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, ProSpeed Competition, Marco Holzer, Marc Goossens
Patrick Pilet (France) rounds off the good result with position six on the grid. In the GTE Am class, Frenchman Nicolas Armindo again set pole position with the 2010-version of the 911 GT3 RSR.
Patrick Pilet (France)
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Wolf Henzler (l), Patrick Pilet (r)
Wolf Henzler (l)
Frenchman Nicolas Armindo
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Raymond Narac, Nicolas Armindo
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Raymond Narac, Nicolas Armindo
“We gave our best and are really pleased with third on the grid,” said Lietz who last year secured the championship title in the sports car class with his Felbermayr-Proton teammate Marc Lieb (Germany). “My lap was good, third on the grid is the best result of the season by now. Above all, we’re thrilled that our times are so close to the leaders. Now let’s see what the race yields for us.”
After a difficult start to the season with two crashes that were not their fault, the luck of the title defenders finally turned recently in Silverstone with their first podium position.
After competing last year as a Porsche Junior, 23-year-old factory pilot Marco Holzer was delighted with his fourth grid spot.
“That was a great qualifying session,” commented Holzer, who joins forces for ProSpeed Competition with Belgium’s Marc Goossens.
“We missed out on the first free practice because we had to change something on our gearbox. Hence we were behind with our set-up work. But this makes our second row position even sweeter. In fact, we’ve never started so far up the front of the field this season. And we’re also hoping to further improve the handling of our 911 during the warm-up tomorrow and then the race should go well. The track is challenging but I really like it.”
The French factory pilot Patrick Pilet also seemed satisfied.
Patrick Pilet
“Sixth on the grid is okay,” stated Pilet, who shares driving duties for IMSA Performance Matmut with works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany).
“Our car was rather difficult to drive in the practice sessions, so we tried out something very new in the qualifying but that didn’t work. Now we have some things to sort out during the warm-up. And then comes the race that will undoubtedly be very exciting on this somewhat narrow circuit.”
Wolf Henzler
Nicolas Armindo secured another point in the fight for the championship with his fourth pole position of the season in the GTE Am class. In this category, only one professional driver is permitted per vehicle.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, IMSA Performance Matmut, Patrick Pilet, Wolf Henzler
The reigning champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland drives with the team owner IMSA Performance Matmut, amateur racer Raymond Narac. In compliance with the regulations, the two Frenchmen compete with a 2010-spec 911 GT3 RSR.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Felbermayr-Proton, Horst Felbermayr Jr. (l), Christian Ried (r)
The pair takes up the final round with an eleven point lead over their closest rival. Felbermayr-Proton’s team owner Christian Ried (Germany) and Horst Felbermayr Junior (Austria) head into tomorrow’s race from fourth in the GTE Am class.
Christian Ried (Germany)
Horst Felbermayr Junior (Austria)
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Qualifying result GTE Pro class
1. Rob Bell (GB), Ferrari F458 Italia, 1:39.176 minutes
2. Gianmaria Bruni (I), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.057 seconds
3. Richard Lietz (A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.198
4. Marco Holzer (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.350
5. Dominik Farnbacher (D), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.573
6. Patrick Pilet (F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.788
7. Jamie Melo (BR), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 1.214
GTE Am class
1. Nicolas Armindo (F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 1:40.014 minutes
2. Marco Cioci (I), Ferrari F430, + 0.544 seconds
3. Phil Quaife (GB), Ferrari F430, + 0.763
4. Christian Ried (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2.093
The six hour race starts on Sunday, 25 September, at 13.00 hours local time (CEST 14.00 hours).
The Le Mans Series
Contested for the first time in 2004, the Le Mans Series (LMS) is open for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations are based on those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. Five six-hour races are contested this season throughout Europe.
GTE-Pro class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers (previously known as the GT2 class) is traditionally the best supported: Modified standard sports cars with up to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms. GTE-Am class: Like the GTE-Pro, but with the 2010-vehicle specifications. Moreover, the regulations stipulate that each vehicle must have one professional driver at the most. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp, GT-class homologated engines and a 900 kg minimum weight. FLM class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately according to the class. Points are only allocated for placings in each class. Championship titles are awarded for drivers, manufacturers and teams in all five classes.
Claiming four titles in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb is the most successful pilot in the series.
American Le Mans Series, round 8 in Laguna Seca, USA
Stuttgart.It beat them all – on the track and at the gas pump. At its first outing on the West Coast of the USA, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid beat all other GT vehicles in Laguna Seca.
With Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) at the wheel, it turned the fastest race lap on the challenging course in Monterey/California and conquered the six hour distance with just three pit stops, while its fastest opponents in the GT class had to stop five times: An impressive demonstration of Porsche Intelligent Performance.
Porsche’s strong performance at the riveting eighth round of the American Le Mans Series was rounded off by Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA):
With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the title defenders won the GT class in a photo finish final and secured their first win of the season featuring the world’s fastest sports cars. For Porsche, this marked victory number three after Mid-Ohio and Baltimore.
Interest from the fans for the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid was enormous in California, as well. And the way the innovative sports car from Weissach – which started from the rear of the grid and was not eligible for points – chased through the field in just a few laps to snatch the lead caused a sensation in the grandstands.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid convinced with its consistently fast lap times and low fuel consumption and finished ahead of all other GT vehicles thanks to its ground-breaking drive concept.
“The start phase was huge fun, because it was relatively easy to overtake the slower competitors,” said Romain Dumas. “But it’s even more fun because we can apply superior tactics thanks to the lower fuel consumption. We are much more flexible and we made the most of this today.”
Richard Lietz stated: “We had the least pit stops of all the teams and showed clearly what the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid can do. We didn’t experience one technical problem and left all the other GT vehicles behind us. Our expectations have been far exceeded.”
Thrills and spills also characterized the fight for victory in the fiercely-contested GT class as always.
Spectacular tussles for positions on the track and in the pits as well as frequent changes at the lead were played out over the entire race – and in the last two hours, long after darkness had fallen on the Laguna Seca Raceway, events began to heat up: In the penultimate lap, Joerg Bergmeister squeezed past a BMW into second place with his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports.
But the most successful GT pilot in the American Le Mans Series wasn’t yet finished.
He wanted victory – and in the final lap he pushed fast the leading Ferrari.
“That was our first win this season. We did it at last and it was high time for that,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “We didn’t have the fastest car in the field today, but we fought to the flag. That paid off. To go from third to first in the last laps – you don’t experience this every day in such a strongly-supported series.”
Patrick Long added: “Joerg won the race today. Our tactic was to keep out of any squabbles as much as possible and to have the car in one piece at the end to fight for victory. This worked, but the driving style of several competitors was clearly too tough today. It almost cost us the race.”
In the second Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche factory pilot Marco Holzer (Germany) joined forces with American Seth Neiman to bring home ninth place.
“The track was new for me and has to be one of the most beautiful in the USA. The race was a fantastic experience,” he said. “I’m pleased that we finished well. It was great fun.”
Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) saw the flag in tenth with Paul Miller Racing’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
After wins from Mid-Ohio and Baltimore, luck evaded Wolf Henzler in Laguna Seca.
The Porsche works driver from Germany had taken over the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR from his teammate Bryan Sellers (USA) and was lying within striking distance of the top when a rival hit his rear shortly before the halfway point of the race.
The impact damaged the water pump and put a stop to Falken Tire’s recent run of successes.
“Such a retirement is of course hugely disappointing, especially after our wins of the last weeks,” Wolf Henzler said. “Now we have to roll up our sleeves and try to turn the best season for our team so far into a happy ending at Road Atlanta.”
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The ninth and final round of the American Le Mans Series takes place on 1 October on the Road Atlanta race track at Braselton, in the US State of Georgia.
At the same time as the penultimate race of the American Le Mans Series, Porsche teams were also fighting for championship honours in the equally as popular Grand-Am Series which held its final race on the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington/Ohio. With the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup run by the successful customer team Brumos Racing, which is based on the lightweight 911 GT3 RS sports car, Americans Leh Keen and Andrew Davis secured the title with fourth place. The highlight of the exciting season was the Daytona 24 hour race in Florida, where Porsche kicked off the season with a double victory for the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
Statistics: 8th race in Laguna Seca, California
Result GT class 1. Bergmeister/Long (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 236 laps
2. Müller/Hand (D/USA), BMW M3 GT, 236
3. Melo/Vilander (BRA/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 236
4. Sharp/van Overbeek (USA/USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, 236
5. Werner/Auberlen (D/USA), BMW M3 GT, 236
6. Magnussen/Gavin (DK/GB), Chevrolet Corvette, 236
9. Holzer/Neiman (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 230
10. Maassen/Miller (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 224
Result GTC class
1. Pumpelly/Ende (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 222 laps
2. J. Bleekemolen/Pappas/S. Bleekemolen (NL/USA/NL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 222
3. Le Saffre/Faulkner (USA/IRL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 221
Points’ standings GT class Drivers
1. Dirk Müller, Joey Hand, BMW, 145 points
2. Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Chevrolet, 110
3. Dirk Werner, Bill Auberlen, BMW, 101
4. Jaime Melo, Toni Vilander, Ferrari, 90
5. Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers, Porsche, 77
6. Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Porsche, 76
Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 145 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 114
3. Risi Competizione, 90
4. Team Falken Tire, Porsche, 77
5. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 75
Facts and figures
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately according to their respective classes. This ensures exciting and diverse racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only awarded for placings in each class.
Stuttgart. That was close: In the hotly-contested qualifying for the six-hour race in Laguna Seca/California, Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) missed a second row grid spot by just one-thousandth of a second. Piloting the Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, which he shares with his works driver teammate Joerg Bergmeister for the eighth round of the American Le Mans Series on Saturday, Long set the fifth quickest time. Last year, the reigning GT champions won the classic in the dunes of Monterey.
“Our car’s balance is very good,” said Patrick Long. “Between the final practice and the qualifying we changed a couple of things on the car and that worked well. My quickest lap was perfect. We have an excellent set-up for the race.”
At the wheel of Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the winning car at Mid-Ohio and Baltimore, Bryan Sellers (USA) posted the ninth quickest time. He contests the race with Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany). “We didn’t have an optimal set-up today, but we know that our car and the tyres will perform much better in the race than in the qualifying,” explained Bryan Sellers. Wolf Henzler added: “The circuit was very cold over the last days. Today we have sun and the asphalt temperatures were suddenly much higher. That changed everything. Our team still simply lacks the experience of reacting to such changes in a short timeframe.”
The innovative Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0, with which the Porsche works drivers Romain Dumas (France) and Richard Lietz (Austria) conduct further tests at Laguna Seca, did not take part in the qualifying. At its debut on the West Coast of the USA, the vehicle is not eligible for points and starts from the back of the grid. At the final free practice, however, it demonstrated its huge potential turning the third quickest lap of all GT vehicles.
“We’ve improved the car step by step,” said Romain Dumas. “It’s a shame that we weren’t permitted to join the qualifying, we could have done with the extra practice for finding a good set-up. I last drove the car at Road Atlanta. Compared to last year’s version, the 2.0 has made huge progress.” Richard Lietz commented: “Okay, we have to start from the back tomorrow, but that is not a decisive handicap over a six hour race. I’m looking forward to showing the fans in the States how much fun a hybrid car can be because it’s efficient and quick swift at the same time.”
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All classes start together but are classified separately. This ensures racing that is exciting and constantly changing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are awarded only for placings in each class.
Stuttgart. After the first American Le Mans Series win of the season, the Porsche teams head to the legendary Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake with new confidence. Porsche factory driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) and his American teammate Bryan Sellers will try to repeat their brilliant Mid-Ohio win with their Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Falken Tire.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
And with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by Flying Lizard Motorsports, title defenders Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) also have high hopes for the four-hour race in the US state of Wisconsin. After all, the pair have already clinched three victories in Elkhart Lake.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
The race
This venue has been a regular fixture on the American Le Mans Series calendar since 2002. This season, the race runs over four hours.
The circuit
The 6.514 kilometre Road America circuit is one of America’s oldest race tracks and is regarded as the cradle of sports car racing in the USA. The circuit layout with its long finish straight and 14 corners has changed considerably since its foundation in 1955. Most fans watch the races from the hills surrounding the track. The first street race in Elkhart Lake, two hours’ drive north of Chicago, was run in 1950. The circuit of that time was awarded a place in the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
The Porsche drivers
Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long drive the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports as reigning GT champions of the American Le Mans Series and three-time Road America winners.
Jörg Bergmeister
Patrick Long
Their works driver colleague Wolf Henzler, who recently won in Mid-Ohio with Bryan Sellers, drives the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of the Falken Tire team.
Bryan Sellers, Wolf Henzler
At his debut in Elkhart Lake, Porsche factory pilot Marco Holzer (Germany) shares driving duties in the second Flying Lizard Porsche with American Seth Neiman.
Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) take up the race for Paul Miller Racing in a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Paul Miller Racing: Sascha Maassen, Bryce Miller
Quotes before the race
Joerg Bergmeister:
“All year I look forward to this race. Road America is my all-time favourite circuit. It’s very fast, very hilly and very challenging – and those are all the things a race driver loves. The race track doesn’t really suit our car, but still the Porsche was very successful there in the last years. So I’m also feeling optimistic this time.”
Patrick Long:
“The smallest mistake here always costs a lot of time. To be able to keep up at the front everything has to run perfectly. And of course the strategy plays a major role at a four-hour race.”
Wolf Henzler:
“The characteristic of Road America with its long straights and fast corners is totally unlike any other circuit on the ALMS calendar. We tested there with very good results and in the race I hope we can now use what we learned. The whole team is highly motivated after winning in Mid-Ohio. We all want to show that this success is not a coincidence.”
Marco Holzer:
“This marks my third race in the American Le Mans Series and the third on a totally unfamiliar circuit. I’ve watched several videos of Road America and I’m very much looking forward to racing on this extraordinary race track.”
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
The most successful GT race car of the last years took off into the season with a raft of improvements. The output of the four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine was increased to 455 hp (335 kW). Priority in the development of the car was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear. In 2010, the 911 GT3 RSR again won the environmental “Michelin Green X Challenge” classification as the GT vehicle with the best overall efficiency in the American Le Mans Series.
Porsche successes
Of the nine races that have been contested here as part of the American Le Mans Series, Porsche as the most successful manufacturer has won seven. Five victories in the GT/GT2 class went to Joerg Bergmeister, who triumphed with Timo Bernhard in 2002 and 2004, as well as with Patrick Long in 2005, 2006 and 2009. In 2003, Craig Stanton and Johnny Mowlem won for Porsche, in 2008 Dirk Werner, Richard Westbrook and Bryan Sellers. In 2007, Timo Bernhard und Romain Dumas snatched overall honours at the wheel of the Porsche RS Spyder.
The schedule
The race in Elkhart Lake takes off on Saturday, 20 August, at 15.00 hours local time (22.00 hrs CEST) and is broadcast live in the internet on www.americanlemans.com/live. The GT qualifying on Friday is shown on www.porsche.com/alms-live from 22.25 hours CEST.
The American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. All classes start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
American Le Mans Series, round 5 in Lexington, USA
Stuttgart. On the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany) celebrated a brilliant victory in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR: With a sensational charge through the field in torrential rain, he clinched the first win of the season for Porsche with his teammate Bryan Sellers on the traditional circuit in America’s Midwest in the fiercely-contested GT class of the American Le Mans Series.
Bryan Sellers (USA)
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
For his Falken Tire team, this marks the first ever win in the popular race series with the world’s fastest sports cars.
Wolf Henzler (Germany)
“What an unbelievable race. The rain came just at the right moment,” said Wolf Henzler after his second Mid-Ohio win against strong opposition from BMW, Ferrari and Chevrolet. “When they called me in to the pits to switch to wet tyres I didn’t really want to at first. I would have preferred to stay on slicks as I had enough grip. But the team made the right decision. Thanks to Falken for the super tyres. The boys work so hard. Now they are finally rewarded for their untiring efforts.”
When it comes to drama, the final phase of the race that started under sunny skies was unsurpassed. First a few raindrops fell causing a flurry in the pits.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
Then came a sudden heavy shower. That was the Wolf Henzler’s chance – and he used it:
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
When the race restarted after a yellow flag and most of his rivals had their hands full keeping their cars on the flooded circuit, he charged from fifth to the lead in just one lap – even passing Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) who had led the field until that point after a strong drive with the Flying Lizard Motorsports-run 911 GT3 RSR.
“In the final lap many cars driving on the inside line of the track spun. I found grip on the outside and could overtake them all,” said Wolf Henzler. “Falken has tested in rain in Mid-Ohio. We trusted these tyres and they yielded us victory.”
Bryan Sellers (USA) , Wolf Henzler (Germany)
Whilst Wolf Henzler brought home his first win of the season in heavy rain, Patrick Long struggled with the amount of water on the circuit.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
The teammate of Porsche factory pilot Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) took up the race from the second grid row, slid into the gravel trap and fell back to ninth place.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
Shortly afterwards, with ten minutes left to the finish, the race was red-flagged and not restarted due to the persistent rain.
Patrick Long (USA)
“Our car was good, the set-up and strategy worked well – that was our race,” said Patrick Long. “But when the rain arrived, we lost grip and everyone started sliding around, even those on wets.”
Joerg Bergmeister (Germany)
In front of the title defenders Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long, Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA) finished in eighth place at the wheel of their Paul Miller Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Bryce Miller (USA)
Paul Miller Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Sascha Maassen (Germany)
Americans Seth Neiman and Darren Law planted the second Flying Lizard Porsche on tenth. Victory in the GTC class went to Americans Spencer Pumpelly and Duncan Ende in the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 96 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 77
3. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 60
Facts and figures
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately according to their respective classes. This ensures exciting and diverse racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only awarded for placings in each class.
Stuttgart. The detour of the American Le Mans Series to Canada was not rewarded with success for the Porsche teams: After their second position in Lime Rock, the Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) went home empty-handed from round four of the season on the Mosport International Raceway close to Toronto.
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
The best-placed Porsche team was factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany) and America’s Bryan Sellers who secured fifth place in the GT class with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Falken Tire squad.
Wolf Henzler (Germany)
Bryan Sellers (USA)
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken Tire: Wolf Henzler, Bryan Sellers
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
With Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, four-time Mosport winner Joerg Bergmeister made a clean start and at times even took the lead. But during a pit stop after the halfway point in the 2:45-hour race, the #45 vehicle lost fluid from the power steering unit. Following the repairs, Patrick Long rejoined the race with a nine-lap gap to the GT front-runners to finally see the flag in twelfth place. This yielded zero points for the title defenders.
Patrick Long
Jörg Bergmeister
“Our car ran very well over the whole weekend,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “During my stint we were always in the top three and even had the lead. But when I tried to avoid a slower competitor, I spun, we lost the lead and then the power steering went. It was simply bad luck.” Patrick Long said: “After the pit stop we collected a lot of data but unfortunately no points.”
At his maiden race in Mosport, Porsche factory pilot Marco Holzer (Germany) took over the wheel of the second Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports from his American teammate Seth Neiman while in 14th and pushed through to finish eighth.
Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 83 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 61
3. Risi Competizione, 41
4. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 40
Facts and figures
The American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately. This ensures exciting and diverse racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only awarded for placings in each class.
Flying Lizard Motorsports, Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) take up round 4 of the American Le Mans Series on Sunday in Mosport/Canada from 3rd place
2011 ALMS – Mosport
Stuttgart. With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) take up round four of the American Le Mans Series on Sunday in Mosport/Canada from third place.
2011 ALMS – Mosport
In the GT qualifying on the 3.957 kilometre Mosport International Raceway on the outskirts of the city of Toronto, Joerg Bergmeister was just two-tenths adrift of the fastest time. The German has won this race four times so far with Porsche.
“Again today, the set-up and balance of our car were top,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “Regardless of what our competitors do, we have to stick to our plan. We’re feeling confident that we can bring home a podium result from the race tomorrow.”
2011 ALMS – Mosport – Joerg Bergmeister
2011 ALMS – Mosport – Patrick Long
With Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) turned the seventh quickest lap.
2011 ALMS – Mosport – Wolf Henzler
Falken Tire’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
Bryce Miller (USA) planted his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by Paul Miller Racing on the eleventh grid spot.
2011 ALMS – Mosport – Bryce Miller
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – Paul Miller Racing
Position 13 in qualifying is occupied by American Seth Neiman, who shares the second Flying Lizard Motorsports 911 GT3 RSR with Porsche factory pilot Marco Holzer (Germany).
The American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race.
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately. This ensures exciting and diverse racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only awarded for placings in each class.
Stuttgart. The Porsche Mobil1 Supercup has reason to celebrate:
On 24 July,the 200th race of the world’s fastest international one-make series takes off at the Nürburgring. The series has run as support to the Formula 1 races since 1993. Some interesting facts and figures of a success story:
The first race was run on 25 April 1993 as support to the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola. Victory went to Uwe Alzen, who was eventually beaten in the fight for the title by Altfrid Heger.
Uwe Alzen (GER) – Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland – 04 Norisring 2010
The closest title decision came in 1997. Patrick Huisman and Oliver Mathai both had 128 points to their credit. The title went to Huisman who had won three races, whilst Mathai triumphed just once.
Two records were set by Wolf Henzler, the champion of the 2004 season: His nine wins and ten fastest race laps are unrivalled.
Wolf Henzler
He posted pole position eight times, matching Joerg Bergmeister’s record from the 2001 season.
Joerg Bergmeister
The most successful VIP driver was Mika Häkkinen. The eventual two-time Formula 1 World Champion won the Supercup races in Monaco and Budapest in 1993.
The most victories were claimed by Patrick Huisman. To date, the Dutchman has won 24 races – the first in 1996 at the Hockenheim round, the most recent in 2007 at Spa. In 18 races he started from pole-position – more than any other driver. A total of 48 drivers have joined the list of winners from the 199 Supercup races contested so far.
The most titles were also secured by Patrick Huisman. From 1997 to 2000 he was crowned champion four times straight.
Richard Westbrook (Champion 2006, 2007)
Two championships have been clinched by Richard Westbrook (2006, 2007) and Jeroen Bleekemolen (2008, 2009).
Jeroen Bleekemolen (NDL) – Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Abu Dhabi 2009
As the sole drivers, Dutchman Jeroen Bleekemolen (2009/13 races) and Frenchman Emmanuel Collard (1996/9) climbed the podium at every race of a season. They both took five wins.
The most successful Supercup countries are Germany and the Netherlands, each with six championship titles. Next comes France with three outright wins.
The youngest overall winner was René Rast who was 23 years old when he secured the title in 2010. The oldest was Frenchman Jean-Pierre Malcher: He was 45 when he took home the championship in 1995.
René Rast (Champion 2010)
The most Supercup races were held in Monaco. The Principality hosted the series 19 times, followed by Budapest and Silverstone (18 each) as well as Hockenheim (17). All in all, the Supercup has been contested on 19 race tracks around the world.
Stuttgart. Once a year, the American Le Mans Series makes a detour to Canada.On the Mosport International Raceway near the major metropolis of Toronto, round four of the race series featuring the world’s fastest sports cars takes off on 24th July.
On this demanding circuit, Porsche factory pilots Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) aim to continue their strong performance with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, with which they recently scored their first podium result of the season in Lime Rock.
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
The race
The Grand Prix of Mosport has been a regular fixture on the calendar since the American Le Mans Series began in 1999. It is the only race held in Canada.
Photo Source: Mosport Raceway
The circuit
The 3.957 kilometre Mosport International Raceway with its ten corners is situated in Bowmanville, about an hour’s drive east of Toronto. It is regarded as one of the fastest and most demanding circuits on the American Le Mans Series calendar. Canada’s oldest permanent race track opened in 1961 with a sports car race that Stirling Moss won with a Lotus 19. From 1967 to 1977, the Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix was also held in Mosport.
The Porsche drivers
With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long contest the particularly tough GT class.
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Their works driver colleague, Wolf Henzler, shares driving duties in the cockpit of the Falken Tire team’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with Bryan Sellers (USA).
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Joining forces with American Seth Neiman in the second 911 GT3 RSR of Flying Lizard Motorsports is again Porsche factory pilot Marco Holzer (Germany).
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
The 911 GT3 RSR run by Paul Miller Racing is manned by Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA).
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Quotes before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of motorsport:
“Mosport is a track where engine performance is more important than on any other circuit. For this reason we were thrilled to hear that the rule-makers in the USA want to revise the imbalance that disadvantaged our cars. I hope that Flying Lizard and the Falken and Miller teams can continue their upward trend that they showed in Lime Rock.”
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport
Source: Porsche AG Media Database
Joerg Bergmeister:
“Last year we travelled to Mosport without high expectations and we won. It’s not normally a circuit that particularly suits us and it features too many straights. But if we can manage to make everything come together like in Lime Rock recently then we might bring home a podium result. I’d be very happy with this.”
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Patrick Long:
“It’s not easy making a reliable prediction for Mosport. The track is very fast, and very demanding for the driver. It’s unforgiving with mistakes. That should work in our favour. I hope we can use this to our advantage.”
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Wolf Henzler:
“The tests that we conducted since Long Beach have brought us a huge step forward. This was clearly apparent in Lime Rock. We’re now in the position to drive consistently quicker lap times over a race distance. This will also help us in Mosport. There are many fast corners there that we drive in fourth and fifth gear, so our average speed is correspondingly high. I hope that we can continue our good performance from Lime Rock.”
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Marco Holzer:
“Like Lime Rock, Mosport is a circuit that I’ve never raced on. So I’ll be taking a look at the videos again to check out the track before the first practice. I quickly became familiar with the Lime Rock circuit, so I’m hopeful it’ll be the same in Mosport. With its very fast corners, the track is a real challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”
Source: Porsche AG Media Database – Bob Chapman, Autosport Image
Der Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
The most successful GT race car of the last years takes off into the season with a raft of improvements. The output of the four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine has increased to 455 hp (335 kW). Priority in the further development of the car was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear. In 2010, the 911 GT3 RSR again won the environmental “Michelin Green X Challenge” classification as the GT vehicle with the best overall efficiency in the American Le Mans Series.
Porsche successes
Since 1999 Porsche has scored a total of seven class wins in Mosport. Joerg Bergmeister contributed greatly to four of these: In 2005 and 2009 he won with Patrick Long in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, in 2003 and 2004 he triumphed with his works driver colleague Timo Bernhard.
The schedule
The race in Mosport starts on Sunday, 24 July, at 15.05 hours local time (21.05 hours CEST).
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. All classes start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
Porsche factory pilots Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) finished second in the GT class at the Northeast Grand Prix in Lime Rock to improve their championship position.
Porsche factory pilots Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA)
Stuttgart. In the American Le Mans Series, the title defenders clinched their first podium result of the season at their third attempt.
Patrick Long
With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche factory pilots Joerg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) finished second in the GT class at the Northeast Grand Prix in Lime Rock to improve their championship position.
The race on the short 2.478 kilometre circuit in the US state of Connecticut was thrilling from start to finish.
And it began well for Porsche:
Patrick Long snatched second place right at the start and defended his position to the first pit stop and driver change.
His teammate Joerg Bergmeister, who tops the winners’ list with five victories from the last five years on this circuit, fell back just once to third place after another pit stop behind his works driver colleague Wolf Henzler, but was quickly able to regain his position.
Bergmeister went on to deliver a spirited fight for the lead, at times only two seconds adrift of the front-runner. But with three laps to go, his result looked in jeopardy when tyre damage forced him into the pits.
As always, the Flying Lizard crew worked swiftly on his number 45 Porsche so that he was able to defend his second place. At the flag only 20.387 seconds separated Bergmeister and Long from their first win of the season.
“That was a lively race,” said Joerg Bergmeister. “Today we were able to fight for victory and I’ve tried everything to continue my winning streak after five straight Lime Rock victories. Unfortunately, a puncture prevented this. Still, it was our best result so far this season. Our entire team has worked extremely hard for this.”
Patrick Long said: “I’m very satisfied. Today we have earned plenty of championship points. Because all of our direct competitors had problems, these points are especially valuable. Our car was perfectly set-up over the entire weekend. It’s a shame that we were just a few seconds off clinching victory.
Bryan Sellers drove the first stint for the Falken Tire squad.
Cleverly, he kept out of any trouble on the tight circuit, and his teammate Wolf Henzler did the rest. With an early refuelling pit stop 1:15 hours before the flag, they took their opponents by surprise and turned up in second place when the rest of the field pitted for fuel.
Wolf Henzler too had his big moments: 30 minutes before the finish he brought the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR into the pits with suspected tyre damage. Luckily, he had only picked up rubber from the track. And in the final laps, problems with the fuel pressure cost him a safe third place. He took the flag in fifth.
In the second Flying Lizard Motorsports-run Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, works driver Marc Holzer (Germany) clinched seventh at his Lime Rock premiere together with American Seth Neiman.
Marco Holzer
He was clearly pleased with this result.
“When I took over the car we were running last,” he said. “The chase was huge fun. I was able to put in very competitive times on this unfamiliar track.”
Sascha Maassen (Germany)
Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA)
brought the Paul Miller Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR home in sixth place.
Bryce Miller (USA)
Victory in the GTC class went to Americans Dion von Moltke and Mike Pierce with a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
Round 4 of the American Le Mans Series is held on 24th July in Mosport/Canada.
Statistics: 3rd race Lime Rock, CT
Result GT class
1. Müller/Hand (D/USA), BMW M3 GT, 176 laps
2. Bergmeister/Long (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 176
3. Murry/Lazzaro (USA/USA), Doran Ford GT, 174
4. Sharp/van Overbeek (USA/USA), Ferrari F458 Italia, 174
5. Henzler/Sellers (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 174
6. Maassen/Miller (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 172
7. Holzer/Neiman (D/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 165
Result GTC class
1. von Moltke/Pierce (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 164 laps
2. Pumpelly/Ende (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 164
3. Leitzinger/Sweedler (USA/USA), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 164
Points’ standings GT class Drivers
1. Dirk Müller, Joey Hand, BMW, 70 points
2. Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen, Chevrolet, 37
3. Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long, Porsche, 34
4. Olivier Beretta, Tommy Milner, Chevrolet, 33
Dirk Werner, Bill Auberlen, BMW, 33
6. Augusto Farfus, BMW, 26
7. Jaime Melo, Toni Vilander, Ferrari, 25
8. Seth Neiman, Porsche, 23
Teams
1. BMW Team RLL, BMW, 70 points
2. Corvette Racing, Chevrolet, 41
3. Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche, 37
Facts and figures
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. All classes start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately. This ensures exciting and diverse racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only awarded for placings in each class.
2011 ALMS – Lime Rock – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
Stuttgart. With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Flying Lizard Motorsports, Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) posted the third quickest time in the GT qualifying for the Northeast Grand Prix in Lime Rock.
Patrick Long
He contests round three of the American Le Mans Series on Saturday with his works driver colleague Joerg Bergmeister (Germany),
Jörg Bergmeister
who with five wins in the last five years is the most successful driver at the race in the US state of Connecticut .
Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports: Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long
“I was lying in fifth when my pit crew requested me to come in. But my gut feeling told me that I could do better. So I stayed out for another lap and that lap was then perfect,” said Patrick Long.
“It felt just a good as my fastest lap last year where I secured pole position. It’s just that the gap to the cars at the front is simply too big. We just can’t match their pace due to the balance of performance regulations.”
At his first start on the short and very narrow 2.487 kilometre circuit, which had only just dried up after a rain shower, Marco Holzer (Germany) clinched sixth place.
Marco Holzer
“My quickest lap was just my seventh on the dry track in Lime Rock,” he said. “We’re very pleased with this and think we’ve found a very good set-up for the race, regardless of whether it rains or not.”
The Porsche factory pilot shares driving duties in the second Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with American Seth Neiman.
Seth Neiman
ALMS 2011 – Lime Rock – Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Falken TireWolf Henzler
Bryan Sellers
In the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Falken Tire squad, Bryan Sellers (USA), the teammate of Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany), claimed the ninth quickest time.
The race starts on Saturday at 14.05 hours local time (20.05 hours CEST) and runs over 2:45 hours.
Qualifying result
GT class
1. Joey Hand (USA), BMW M3 GT, 50.925 seconds
2. Dirk Werner (D), BMW M3 GT, + 0.245
3. Patrick Long (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.947
4. Oliver Gavin (GB), Chevrolet Corvette, + 0.972
5. Tommy Milner (USA), Chevrolet Corvette, + 1.029
6. Marco Holzer (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.080
9. Bryan Sellers (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.463
12. Bryce Miller (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 2,286
GTC class
1. Jaap van Lagen (NL), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 54.982 seconds
Facts and figures
This is the American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. All classes start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately. This ensures exciting and diverse racing with many overtaking manoeuvres. Points are only awarded for placings in each class.
Title defenders in Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fourth after tough struggle
Stuttgart. Claiming fourth at the six hour race in Imola, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) secured their best result of the season so far in the GTE Pro class with their Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Felbermayr-Proton.
“We had a super race without any technical problems and a perfectly set-up car. We pulled out all stops, but this was the best we could do right now,” said Marc Lieb after round three of the Le Mans Series in high summer temperatures at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
His teammate Richard Lietz said:
“Due to the balance of performance regulations we are currently not in a position to keep the leaders under pressure over the race distance. Other than that, everything else is perfect, from the set-up of the car to the pit stops.”
After retiring from the first two races of the season, Porsche factory pilots Wolf Henzler (Germany) and Patrick Pilet (France) saw the chequered flag in Imola for the first time.
With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR run by IMSA Performance Matmut, they crossed the finish line in fifth place.
“We’re mostly pleased about actually finishing a race at last,” Wolf Henzler said. “In the Aque Minerale we got a slow puncture and dropped one position. I’m particularly happy for our team. They didn’t let our bad luck in Le Castellet and Spa get them down and now they’ve been rewarded.” Pilet added: “Despite everything it was fun. We did our best, we couldn’t do more.”
Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany) and his Belgian teammate Marc Goossens planted their Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of ProSpeed Competition on sixth place.
“We got through well,” he said, “and only lost time with damage to the rear left tyre. Afterwards I was able to overtake two rivals.”
In the GTE Am class, Porsche claimed the third win from the third race. Driving the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by IMSA Performance Matmut, which is at last year’s technical specification as per the regulations, Frenchmen Nicolas Armindo and Raymond Narac won ahead of Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) and Porsche Cup winner Gianluca Roda (Italy) at the wheel of Proton Competition’s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. With this second victory after Spa, they also moved into the points’ lead.
Statistics: 3rd of 5 races of the Le Mans Series in Imola/Italy
Result GTE Pro class
1. Melo/Vilander (BR/SF), Ferrari F458 Italia, 198 laps
2. Fisichella/Bruni (I/I), Ferrari F458 Italia, 197
3. Müller/Farfus (D/BR), BMW M3, 197
4. Lieb/Lietz (D/A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 196
5. Henzler/Pilet (D/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 196
6. Holzer/Goossens (D/B), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 191
Result GTE Am class
1. Armindo/Narac (F/F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 194 laps
2. Long/Roda (USA/I), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 194
3. Canal/Bornhauser/Gardel (F/F/CH), Corvette C6-ZR1, 193
Round four of the Le Mans Series takes place on 11 September in Silverstone/Great Britain.
The Le Mans Series
Contested for the first time in 2004, the Le Mans Series (LMS) is open for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations are based on those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. Five six-hour races are contested this season throughout Europe.
GTE-Pro class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers (previously known as the GT2 class) is traditionally the best supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with up to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms. GTE-Am class: Like the GTE-Pro, but with the 2010-vehicle specifications. Moreover, the regulations stipulate that each vehicle must have one professional driver at the most. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp, GT-class homologated engines and a 825 kg minimum weight. FLM class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately according to the class. Points are only allocated for placings in each class. Championship titles are awarded for drivers, manufacturers and teams in all five classes.
Claiming the title in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb is the most successful pilot in the series.
Title defender takes up six hour race from third grid row
Stuttgart. At the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Felbermayr-Proton, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) start from the third grid row of the GTE Pro class to tackle the six hour race in Imola on Sunday.
In qualifying for the third race of the Le Mans Series season at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Richard Lietz posted the sixth fastest time.
“The car handled perfectly for that one fast lap,” he said. “I´m happy with the time, nothing else was possible today. Now let´s hope for a good race. We´re facing six hours of tough work so our motto can only be get a good start and then charge to the front.”
His works driver colleague Patrick Pilet (France) set the ninth fastest time in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of IMSA Performance Matmut, which he shares with Wolf Henzler (Germany).
“It wasn´t easy today. You can only turn two really fast laps in qualifying here,” he said. “My first lap was great, but in the second I encountered a lot of traffic and couldn´t improve. The car oversteered a lot, we´ll have to sort this out before the race.”
Directly behind him, Porsche works driver Marco Holzer (Germany) starts from tenth on the grid. His teammate in the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by ProSpeed Competition is Marc Goossens from Belgium.
“The qualifying began quite well,” said Marco Holzer. “But of all places in the very quick Turn 5 I encountered a slower car which held me up. Our car felt very good, the lap times were much quicker than during the free practice and that makes me feel more confident for the race.”
In the GTE Am class, in which only one professional driver is permitted to compete per car, Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA) secured the third pole position for Porsche at the third race. Proton Competition´s Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, which he shares with Porsche Cup winner Gianluca Roda (Italy), is at last year´s technical specification as per the regulations.
Result Qualifying GTE Pro class
1. Jörg Müller (D), BMW M3, 1:44.468 minutes
2. Dirk Werner (D), BMW M3, + 0.215 seconds behind
3. Jaime Melo (BR), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.223
4. Frédéric Makowiecki (F), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.257
5. Robert Bell (GB), Ferrari F458 Italia, + 0.262
6. Richard Lietz (A), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.427
9. Patrick Pilet (F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.999
10. Marco Holzer (D), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 1.299
GTE Am class
1. Patrick Long (USA), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 1:45.650 minutes
2. Marco Cioci (I), Ferrari F430, + 0.256 seconds behind
3. Michele Rugolo (I), Ferrari F 430, + 0.569
4. Nicolas Armindo (F), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, + 0.633
The six hour race takes off at midday on Sunday, 3 July. TV station Eurosport 2 broadcasts the opening phase from 12.00 to 13.00 hours and then the last two hours of the race from 16.00 to 18.00 hours live.
The Le Mans Series
Contested for the first time in 2004, the Le Mans Series (LMS) is open for sports prototypes and GT vehicles.
The regulations are based on those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. Five six-hour races are contested this season throughout Europe.
GTE-Pro class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers (previously known as the GT2 class) is traditionally the best supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with up to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms. GTE-Am class: Like the GTE-Pro, but with the 2010-vehicle specifications. Moreover, the regulations stipulate that each vehicle must have one professional driver at the most. LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp, GT-class homologated engines and a 825 kg minimum weight. FLM class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately according to the class. Points are only allocated for placings in each class. Championship titles are awarded for drivers, manufacturers and teams in all five classes. Claiming the title in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb is the most successful pilot in the series.
Stuttgart. The American Le Mans Series picks up the pace.
After a break for the Le Mans 24 Hours, round three of the race series with the world’s fastest sports cars now takes off on 9th July in Lime Rock in the US state of Connecticut.
Lining up on the grid is the five-time Lime Rock winner Joerg Bergmeister (Germany). At the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Bergmeister and his Porsche works driver teammate Patrick Long (USA) are hoping for their first podium result of the season.
The race
The Northeast Grand Prix has been a permanent fixture on the American Le Mans Series calendar since 2004. Many fans are happy to travel the two and a half hours from New York City to witness the often very entertaining race. On one of the hills alongside the track stands a small church in which a service is held on Sundays. For this reason, races are traditionally contested on Saturdays.
The circuit
The 2.478 kilometre circuit in the picturesque countryside of Connecticut is the shortest in the American Le Mans Series.
The lap times are far under a minute. The surrounding grassy hills serve as grandstands, with most of the spectators bringing their own camping chairs and coolers to witness the race action.
The 911 GT3 RSR entered by Paul Miller Racing is manned by Sascha Maassen (Germany) and Bryce Miller (USA).
Quotes before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport:
“The season really gets going now in USA. The last race was before the break for the Le Mans 24 Hours in April, so it’s almost like a second season-opener for the teams. If they want to look good for the crucial phase of the season, they’ll need to pull out all stops in Lime Rock.”
“Lime Rock seems to really suit our car. I’ve won on this track five times in a row – that’s not such a bad track record. With 30 cars on this narrow circuit you have to concentrate totally over the whole distance, you have to use your head if you want to reach the flag in such heavy traffic without bruises. It’s always worked out well in the past. Still, a little bit of luck is always part of it.”
Patrick Long (No. 45, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Flying Lizard Motorsports):
“There are normally loads of safety car phases in Lime Rock. And no wonder with all the traffic. This is a huge challenge for our strategists. The pit stops have to be carried out quickly, the right timing can mean the difference between victory or defeat. But our boys at Flying Lizard Motorsports know how to do pit stops – they’ve proven that often enough.”
Wolf Henzler (No. 17, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Team Faken Tire):
“The track is very short, and hence the traffic is heavy. You’re constantly overtaking slower cars and you being overtaken by the faster sports prototypes. Lime Rock is not exactly a favorite of mine. But I have good memories of last year when we qualified in second in the rain. Hopefully, it’ll rain again this year. We used the Le Mans break well and tested at Road America and in Mid-Ohio. The team has invested a great deal into tyre development. That makes me optimistic for the rest of the season.”
“This is my first race in Lime Rock and I’m looking forward to getting to know another race track in the USA. The team sent me a DVD of on board footage and loads of data – so at least I can prepare myself a bit.”
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
The most successful GT race car of the last years takes off into the season with a raft of improvements. The output of the four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine has increased to 455 hp (335 kW). Priority in the further development of the car was given to the newly designed aerodynamics at the front and rear. In 2010, the 911 GT3 RSR again won the environmental “Michelin Green X Challenge” classification as the GT vehicle with the best overall efficiency in the American Le Mans Series.
Porsche’s successes
In the history of the American Le Mans Series, Joerg Bergmeister is the most successful driver at Lime Rock. At the last five races he claimed victory every time for Porsche in the GT and later the GT2 class.
Patrick Long was his teammate for three of these wins, Wolf Henzler once. With the RS Spyder sports prototype, Porsche celebrated three class wins on this track as well as an overall victory in 2007.
The schedule
The race in Lime Rock starts on Saturday, 9 July, at 14.05 hrs local time (20.05 hrs CEST). The GT qualifying on Friday will be broadcast on the internet on Friday from 21.45 hours CEST on www.porsche.com/alms-live.
The American Le Mans Series
The American Le Mans Series (ALMS) was created in 1999 for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations correspond to those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. All classes start together but are classified separately:
GT class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers is traditionally extremely well supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with 440 to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,125 – 1,325 kilograms (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 RSR). GTC class: This class is reserved for vehicles from one-make race series (e.g. Porsche 911 GT3 Cup). LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 550 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms. LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp and an 825 kg minimum weight. LMPC class: Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
As one of the six Porsche teams contesting the GTE Pro sports car class, title defenders Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria) are determined to climb to the top of the podium.
Marc Lieb (Germany) and Richard Lietz (Austria)
The Porsche factory pilots contest the race, which is also classified as a round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, in a Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by the Felbermayr-Proton team.
The race
The six hour race in Imola is new on the calendar of the Le Mans Series and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari is situated between Bologna and Ravenna and is mostly known by race fans for its famous corners like Tamburello, Rivazza and Acque Minerali. On the 4.933 kilometre Formula 1 circuit, the Grand Prix of San Marino was contested until 2006.
The Porsche drivers
Aside from the title defenders Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz, three other Porsche works drivers contest the GTE Pro class with the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RSR.
Wolf Henzler (Germany) shares driving duties with Patrick Pilet (France) for the IMSA Performance Matmut team,
Patrick Pilet (France) and Wolf Henzler (Germany)
with Marco Holzer (Germany) driving for ProSpeed Competition. His team mate is Belgian Marc Goossens.
Marco Holzer (Germany) and Marc Goossens.
Three Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the 2010 specification start in the GTE Am class, where only one professional race driver is permitted per car.
In the Proton Competition cockpit is Porsche works driver Patrick Long (USA),
Patrick Long (USA)
as well as Porsche Cup winner Gianluca Roda (Italy)
Gianluca Roda (Italy)
and team owner Christian Ried (Germany).
Christian Ried (Germany)
The 911 GT3 RSR fielded by IMSA Performance Matmut is manned by Frenchmen Raymond Narac and Nicolas Armindo, the overall winner of the 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland.
At the wheel of the sister 911 GT3 RSR of Felbermayr-Proton, Horst Felbermayr Junioris confirmed as a driver.
Quotes before the race
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche Head of Motorsport:
“It’s no secret that we’re very unhappy about the imbalance through the Balance of Performance. Particularly for the Proton team, preparing for the Imola race was very tough because they had to get two cars running after they were virtually destroyed in Le Mans. You can only have the greatest respect for the team’s efforts and the will to fight.”
Marc Lieb:
“We haven’t started the season as we had imagined. So that makes us even more determined to try to make the most of our chances in Imola. We are eager to show that we are in a position to fight at the top. With a good set-up and the right strategy we should manage this.”
Richard Lietz:
“With 50 competitors it’ll be very tight, but maybe we can use that to our advantage. In any case, we’re going to attack and try to get ahead. It’ll certainly be six very interesting hours.”
Wolf Henzler:
“After the first two races didn’t go so well for us we’re hoping to finally make a breakthrough in Imola and bring home a good result. We’re aiming for the podium. The team is incredibly motivated and working hard. It’s time that these efforts were rewarded with a good result.”
Marco Holzer:
“I can’t wait for the Imola race. I’ve never driven there before, only tested. Imola is a gorgeous circuit. For us the focus is on doing our best, bringing home points and improving our position in the championship.”
Patrick Pilet:
“I know this track and it’s not easy. The long straights make it necessary to find a good set-up compromise between high speed and decent handling.”
Patrick Long:
“To drive in Imola straight after the 24 hour race on the Nürburgring is an extremely interesting challenge. I’m looking forward to it and hope to assist my team mates to secure a good result and as many points as possible.”
The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR
The most successful GT race car of 2010 competes this season with some improvements. The output of the four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine has increased to 455 hp (335 kW). Priority in the further developments was given predominantly to the newly-designed aerodynamics at the front and rear.
The schedule
The six hour race takes off on Sunday, 3 July, at midday. The qualifying session for the GTE classes takes place on Saturday from 13.55 to 14.15 hours.
TV tip
Eurosport 2 broadcasts the beginning of the race on Sunday from 12.00 to 13.00 hours and the final two hours live.
The Le Mans Series
Contested for the first time in 2004, the Le Mans Series (LMS) is open for sports prototypes and GT vehicles. The regulations are based on those of the Le Mans 24 hour race. Five six-hour races are contested this season throughout Europe.
GTE-Pro class: This most popular class amongst car manufacturers (previously known as the GT2 class) is traditionally the best supported: Slightly modified standard sports cars with up to 500 hp and a minimum weight of 1,245 kilograms.
GTE-Am class: Like the GTE Pro, but with the 2010-vehicle specifications. Moreover, the regulations stipulate that each vehicle must have one professional driver at the most.
LMP1 class: Sports prototypes with up to 750 hp and a minimum weight of 900 kilograms.
LMP2 class: Sports prototypes with ca. 440 hp, GT-class homologated engines and a 825 kg minimum weight.
FLM class:Prototype brand trophy series for the ORECA FLM 09.
All race cars start together but are classified separately according to the class. Points are only allocated for placings in each class. Championship titles are awarded for drivers, manufacturers and teams in all five classes. Claiming the title in 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010, Porsche works driver Marc Lieb is the most successful pilot in the series.
Stuttgart. With a triumph for Porsche, the Nürburgring 24 hour race came to an end.
After 156 laps on the legendary Nordschleife, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) together with Lucas Luhr (Switzerland) won with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR fielded by Manthey Racing.
For Porsche and Manthey Racing, this marks the fifth victory together in the last six years at the long distance classic in Germany’s Eifel region and for Porsche the eleventh overall victory at this race.
Quotes after the race
Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Porsche AG:
“I’m overwhelmed. Such a success is only possible as a team. I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this. Today, I’m especially proud because we are small but great and successful.”
Matthias Müller, CEO of the Executive Board at Porsche AG:
“This is the first time I’ve been to a 24 hour race for Porsche and I certainly hadn’t anticipated it being so emotional. It was a very great weekend for the Porsche enterprise. All the employees at the track have proven what Porsche Intelligent Performance really stands for. Thank you to all the drivers – not only to the winning troupe, but particularly to the squad in the Hybrid-Porsche. All those drivers put in an excellent effort, as well. And thanks to all those people who worked behind the scenes.”
Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG:
Wolfgang Hatz, Vorstand Forschung und Entwicklung
“I’m proud to be part of such a troupe. What we saw this weekend was an immense team effort. The winning squad virtually just refuelled and changed tyres. I promise that we will continue keeping the revs high in motorsport. There are wonderful things ahead of us. I’m looking forward to the future.”
Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport:
Hartmut Kristen, Porsche-Sportchef
“Congratulations to the crew from Manthey Racing and our staff from Weissach. They did a brilliant job and contributed greatly to our success. I’m very pleased that, after all the wrangling in the run-up, there was a clean, sporting decision on the track. Also decisive for our win was that the 911 GT3 RSR was one hundred percent reliable and we had to put in one fuel stop less than the competition. You would expect this from a Porsche. Of course, our drivers also deserve a huge compliment. Once again, they all conducted themselves faultlessly. That also applies to the quartet in the 911 GT3 R Hybrid that wasn’t able to bring home the success it deserved because of two mechanical problems and an accident. As far as pure power is concerned and with its efficiency, the car has performed as we had expected with its innovative drive concept. It’s a great shame that the results don’t reflect this.”
Marc Lieb (No. 18, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Manthey Racing):
Marc Lieb
“Winning this year is one of the most emotional moments of my career. We really didn’t expect to conquer here. After the difficult practices, we pulled ourselves together and said, ‘Let’s give our all’. We didn’t make any mistakes and the entire team put in a superb effort. It’s simply fantastic.”
Timo Bernhard (No. 18, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Manthey Racing):
Timo Bernhard
“The fifth victory at this race is something very special, especially because this year was particularly difficult. We had no other choice than to attack from the first moment. At the end of the day, everything went perfectly. My special thanks goes to our team boss Olaf Manthey. He lives for this race like no other and puts his whole heart into it year after year.”
“My fourth win at this race was the hardest. The competition this year was tougher than ever before. We all had to give one hundred percent. We took up the race from 18th on the grid and made the most out of it. I got a fright at one point during the night when a BMW and I touched. I was really afraid that the car was damaged, because right at that point I had no radio contact and I couldn’t ask if I should come in to the pits. So I listened to the car and noticed that everything was okay. Now it’s time to celebrate.”
Lucas Luhr (No. 18, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Manthey Racing):
Lucas Luhr
“Our plan was to go all out during the night to get ahead. That worked. We simply had to keep the pressure on from the first to the last moment, because the competition was fierce. During one of my stints there was a slight shunt on the front left, but we taped it up and kept driving. I feel we deserved this win.”
Joerg Bergmeister (No. 9, Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche Team Manthey):
Joerg Bergmeister
“It was certainly one of the most difficult races of my career. The power performance and above all the efficiency of the car were great, even better than last year. It’s also so much fun to drive thanks to the Hybrid-boost. I hope we can continue working like this. And one day luck will be on our side.”
Richard Lietz (No. 9, Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche Team Manthey):
Richard Lietz
“The performance of our car was super, all the drivers did a great job and our mechanics put in a mammoth effort. It’s a shame that these efforts weren’t rewarded. But I’m very pleased that our squad decided to pull out all stops and get to the finish line. We owed this to our mechanics and the Porsche fans on the ‘Ring.”
Marco Holzer (No. 9, Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche Team Manthey):
Marco Holzer
“I reckon I was driving one of the best cars in the entire field. We always clocked good lap times. We lost the chance to win through the mechanical problems and an accident. The effort our mechanics made is something I’ve never seen before. And that’s why our goal was to never give up as long as the wheels kept turning. In this regard it’s a small consolation that we crossed the finish line after 24 hours and that we showed the Porsche fans at the track that we never give up.”
Patrick Long (No. 9, Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche Team Manthey):
Patrick Long
“After the flange broke we were out of the top 100 contenders but worked our way up to 28th. For me, not giving up fits in with the Porsche philosophy. I wholeheartedly congratulate our colleagues in the 911 GT3 RSR. Reliability and faultless driving was the key.”
Stuttgart. It was one of the most exciting and dramatic 24 hour races at the Nürburgring.
And it finished with a triumph for Porsche: In front of 220,000 spectators lining the legendary Nordschleife, Porsche works drivers Marc Lieb (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany), Romain Dumas (France) as well as Lucas Luhr (Switzerland) won the 39th running of the long distance classic in the Eifel with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and relegated their strong opponents from BMW, Mercedes and Audi to finish down the field.
For Porsche and the Porsche Team Manthey, this marked the fifth victory at the traditional race in the last six years – likewise for Timo Bernhard.
With the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR – the world’s most successful GT race car of the last years – the Porsche quartet snatched the lead on Saturday at 23.25 hours and held on to it to the flag.
What followed were 16 hours and 35 minutes at the head of the field, 108 consistently fast and faultless laps under immense pressure on one of the toughest race tracks on earth – this speaks volumes about the reliability of the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and for the skill of the pilots. The new distance record set with a total of 156 laps and 3,958.968 kilometres underlines the superb effort of the winners and their team.
“We already knew before the start that we could only win if we worked together as a team, from the drivers through to the mechanics. And this worked very well for the entire time,” Timo Bernhard said. Indeed, aside from the usual tensions on the track, there was just one truly critical situation – strangely enough in the pits.
Lucas Luhr: “During a pit stop the petrol pump didn’t work. Fuel simply didn’t come out. So we had to push our car back to another pump and in doing so lost almost a minute.”
The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid also gave an impressive performance, even though its second start at the 24 hour classic did not yield the anticipated top result.
Fielded by Porsche Team Manthey with Porsche works drivers Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria), Marco Holzer (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA), the innovative race car with its ground-breaking drive concept finished an impressive 28th after a breathtaking chase through the field, 17 laps behind the winner.
Showing its true potential, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid moved into the lead on Saturday about four hours after the start. But a broken flange in the differential sent it into the pits for repairs, which cost six laps to the leader. But the trouble wasn’t to stop there: After a good seven hours, the same problem struck again necessitating a second unplanned pit stop. This time repairs took 40 minutes. With a ten-lap gap to the front-runners, the 911 GT3 R Hybrid rejoined the race in position 105. Clocking lap times which were sometimes faster than those at the front, it ploughed through the field to rank 23rd.
However, on Sunday morning the vehicle’s charge was interrupted yet again: While lapping a slower competitor, Patrick Long was nudged and spun at high speed in the Flugplatz passage. In the pits, however, no damages to the vehicle were found.
Manned by Porsche factory pilot Wolf Henzler (Germany) as well as Peter Dumbreck (Great Britain), Martin Ragginger (Austria) and Sebastian Asch (Germany), the Porsche 911 GT3 R fielded by Falken Motorsports took up the race on intermediate tyres. This proved to be a good decision. Wolf Henzler made up several places before pitting after two laps once the rain had stopped to change to slicks. An engine change in the first quarter of the race robbed the team of all chances for a better result. At the flag, the Falken quartet occupied 49th. The swift lap times that the 911 GT3 R yielded after the long repair phase were, in this case, a poor consolation.
“It was somewhat frustrating to drive such great times and yet be so far down the field,” said Wolf Henzler. “Still, considering these times, the mood in the team is good. It gives us a lot of motivation. Despite everything, we’re taking home a wealth of experience from the Nürburgring.”
After a trouble-free early phase under difficult conditions, the Porsche 911 GT3 R, which Manthey Racing ran parallel to the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, was taken out of the race after a good two hours. The team wanted to concentrate on just one car. A perfect strategy that was rewarded with victory. And as Timo Bernhard crossed the finish line with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, the Eifel at last showed its true sunny colours.
Porsche is second best – problems for the 911 GT3 R Hybrid
Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid, Porsche Team Manthey: Jörg Bergmeister, Richard Lietz, Marco Holzer, Patrick Long
Stuttgart. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR by Manthey Racing runs in the 24-hour Nürburgring race continues at the forefront.
After six hours between the Porsche works driver Marc Lieb (Germany), Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Romain Dumas (France) together with Lucas Luhr (Switzerland) in second place. Previously they had to not quite five hours to the forefront of the field and up to their pit stop four laps claimed the lead.
The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid rendered the endurance classic in the Eifel also been leadership. After just over four hours of the Porsche Manthey used innovative racing car was the Porsche factory drivers Jörg Bergmeister (Langenfeld), Richard Lietz (Austria), Marco Holzer (Lochau) and Patrick Long (USA) two laps ahead, before the give guidance for a scheduled pit stops needed.
After presumably at a contact with a competitor, a flange of the differential was broken, had the 911 GT3 R Hybrid to the pits for repairs and lost by six laps on the top.
At the Porsche 911 GT3 R, the shares Porsche works driver Wolf Henzler (Germany) and Peter Dumbreck (UK), Martin Ragginger (Austria) and Sebastian Asch (Germany), the engine was replaced. Parallel to the Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR 911 GT3 R was used for a smooth start-up phase after two hours taken out of the race as scheduled, so the team can concentrate on one car.
Voices of the driver
Martin Ragginger (No. 44 Porsche 911 GT3 R, Falken Motorsports):
“We were really good at racing and have in the initial phase is not too much risk. Too bad that we have now lost so much time. But we go further and see how far we can still come forward. “
Timo Bernhard (No. 18 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Manthey Racing):
“My stint was no problem. It was mainly in the central part of the route many places where yellow flags were waved and I had to drive slowly in order to not risk a fine sport. “
Lucas Luhr (# 18, Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, Manthey Racing):
“At the pit stop the fuel pump did not work the Nurburgring. There simply was no gasoline. So we had to push the car to another column and have thus lost almost a minute. “
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