Proton Competition Eyes IMSA Return Amid World Endurance Setback
Proton Competition, led by Christian Ried, has swiftly pivoted following the announcement that it will not field any Porsche 963s in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship. Ried confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, describing the talks as “helpful and very positive.”
Last season, Proton’s No. 5 Porsche 963 had only a partial run in the Michelin Endurance Cup, abruptly ending after suffering significant chassis damage during an incident at Watkins Glen. As it stands, the team is absent from the initial entry list for next year’s season, including the coveted Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Despite this, Ried indicated the team’s desire to participate in multiple races in IMSA’s top category, suggesting a commitment to reintegrate into the series later in the season.
Additionally, Ried is exploring opportunities within the Asian Le Mans Series, particularly targeting the forthcoming Pro-Am Hypercar class. He mentioned the potential for “either one or two” Porsche 963s, contingent upon securing paying customers for the 2026-27 launch.
Separately, BBM Sport, led by Bob Berridge, has begun preparations to enter two cars into the Asian Le Mans Series, signaling an early move to establish a competitive grid for the upcoming season.
