Porsche’s LMDh Program: A Mixed Legacy Following WEC Exit
Porsche’s foray into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the 963 LMDh car, announced in late 2020, has drawn to a close after three seasons without a victory at Le Mans. The decision to withdraw comes amid broader challenges, including a slowdown in electric vehicle growth and reduced demand in critical markets like China.
Despite the early promise, Porsche’s journey faced significant hurdles, particularly in integrating multiple external partners for the LMDh setup, which complicated development. “We were kind of like the guinea pig… to find out a lot of things which were not thought about in the beginning,” reflected LMDh project leader Urs Kuratle.
The 963 saw an impressive debut at the Daytona 24 Hours in 2023, and the team quickly earned a WEC podium at Portimao. However, it was at Le Mans where expectations hit reality; the best performance was a ninth in class, marred by reliability issues, including a late driveshaft failure for one entry. Kuratle described the outcome as “the brutal reality” facing the team.
Adjustments made post-Le Mans began to pay off. Later races saw podiums and wins in IMSA, including a notable success at the 2024 Daytona 24 Hours—a reinvigorating moment for the program. “The way we treated those problems… was probably one of the biggest game changers,” said Kuratle.
Heading into the 2025 season, Porsche debuted an updated 963. Initial IMSA results were dominant, winning the opening four races, while WEC results struggled due to competitive Balance of Performance adjustments. Kuratle acknowledged, “If you compete these days in endurance racing… you cannot expect to win every race.”
The final WEC season concluded with Porsche finishing third in the manufacturers’ standings, a respectable conclusion given the program’s evolution from a challenging start. “We could win championships, races… we had a lot of success,” Kuratle asserted, underscoring the 963’s status as the most successful LMDh car across both IMSA and WEC.
Porsche departs from the WEC with unresolved ambitions, yet with substantial achievements that have shaped its endurance racing legacy. As the manufacturer weighs the possibility of future returns, its current focus remains on cementing the legacy of the 963.
