Porsche Penske Motorsport: Aiming for Podium in Imola
Porsche Penske Motorsport started the IMSA GTP season with a remarkable performance, winning three out of three races. However, as they head into the second race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Imola, Italy, their focus has shifted from victory to gathering necessary points. Jonathan Diuguid, the team’s managing director, emphasizes that while they are in better competitive shape than at the season opener in Qatar—where their two 963s finished 10th and 11th—the team realistically does not expect to challenge the front-runner Ferrari AF Corse for the win. With the Ferrari 499P’s dominance evident in practice sessions and in qualifying, where it secured pole with a wide margin, the competition appears formidable for Porsche.
Despite acknowledging Ferrari as the team to beat, Diuguid harbors hopes of improving upon their rocky start in Qatar. “We only managed to score a single point there, and we’re committed to maximizing our performance to add more to our tally,” he said. He highlighted the close competition among several teams—including BMW, Cadillac, Alpine, and Toyota—where race execution and strategic decisions will likely play a critical role in securing valuable points. While such challenges loom on the horizon, Diuguid humorously expressed a desire for rainy weather on race day, noting that the 963 performs particularly well under such conditions, potentially leveling the playing field.
Optimistic Outlook on Performance
Despite the setbacks, Porsche Penske’s outlook is not entirely grim. As they evolve with this season, Diuguid asserted that updates to the suspension of the 963 have produced noticeable improvements, particularly on bumpy tracks like Sebring and Long Beach. “We’re starting to see the fruit of those updates,” he noted, stressing that continuous improvements are essential as they look ahead in the WEC series. The team remains committed to enhancing their car’s performance, signifying a proactive approach that reflects both determination and optimism.
In the GT category, Porsche’s presence is equally optimistic but cautious. With Iron Dames and Manthey 1st Phorm aiming to bounce back from their lackluster performances in Qatar, expectations are high for a more competitive outing in Imola. “We are better positioned here than we were in Qatar,” affirmed Michelle Gatting, a driver for Iron Dames. Starting the race from 14th, she indicated that the team’s enhanced pace and focus on tire management could bring them back into contention for points. The team is eager to demonstrate that their previous struggles were anomalies rather than a reflection of their true potential, bringing a relentless spirit to the race.
Looking Ahead to Le Mans
Porsche Penske’s strategic vision extends beyond the current race, with a keen eye on the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans scheduled for June. Diuguid explained the intense preparation leading up to this prestigious event, including a test at the Paul Ricard circuit after the Spa 6 Hours race. Front-loading their testing early in the year signals a diligent effort to fine-tune the car and the team’s approach in preparation for one of the most grueling races in the world.
A notable part of this preparation includes finalizing the driver selection for their third car at Le Mans. Reigning Formula E champion Pascal Wehrlein has been selected to make his debut at the endurance classic, joining IMSA GTP championship leaders Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy. Diuguid praised Wehrlein’s recent performance at Daytona with a Porsche customer team, highlighting his adaptability and potential for multi-class racing experiences. “He’s been good, he’s been on pace,” Diuguid affirmed, reflecting confidence in Wehrlein’s ability to contribute to the team’s success at Le Mans.
In conclusion, Porsche Penske Motorsport’s journey through the second WEC race in Imola encapsulates resilience amid challenges. While the specter of Ferrari looms large, the team’s strategic foresight and ongoing commitment to improvement allow them to navigate through the competitive landscape with optimism. By focusing not only on the upcoming race but also on their long-term objectives—particularly the revered 24 Hours of Le Mans—they reaffirm their position as a serious contender in the world of endurance racing. With a blend of skill, strategy, and determination, Porsche Penske is poised to make the most of what lies ahead.
