Porsche’s Pursuit of Glory at Le Mans: Insights Ahead of the 24-Hour Race
Porsche aims to secure its 20th victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a milestone that has eluded the marque amid a storied motorsport history. The team unveiled three Penske 963 vehicles at Scrutineering, a step in its quest for dominance at the prestigious endurance race.
"Le Mans is the only thing this project hasn’t won, and the only thing in Roger’s career that’s missing," stated Laurens Vanthoor, emphasizing the significance of the event. Nick Tandy, a veteran from the 2015 winning team, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the support from Porsche and Penske: “We’re not coming here with any boxes left unticked.”
Drivers are now gearing up for a grueling month that includes back-to-back races at Nürburgring and Spa, with Vanthoor underscoring the focus on Le Mans: "Everything is on Le Mans, that’s the priority."
Meanwhile, the #8 Toyota crew is also positioning itself for success, with the team targeting a sixth win at Le Mans to celebrate 40 years of racing. Brendon Hartley commented on the early-season challenges, saying, “Two-fifths and a fourth feels like a victory given our performance deficit.” Toyota’s TS020 (GT-One) livery will draw attention this year, adding a historical touch to their campaign.
In the Ferrari camp, the #83 crew from AF Corse is poised for a high-stakes battle. Phil Hanson emphasized the mentality of treating this race as “all or nothing,” acknowledging past heartbreaks but affirming his commitment to victory. Robert Kubica echoed this, noting the competitive environment and the importance of maximizing performance despite recent setbacks.
Antonio Felix da Costa returns to the WEC, joining AF Corse’s #183 LMP2 entry, expressing excitement for the upcoming race. “Le Mans breeds passion and history. I want to win,” he stated.
The Vista AF Corse team, boosted by a recent Spa victory, is keenly aware of the double points available at Le Mans. Simon Mann highlighted their preparation and ambitions, saying, “Le Mans feels like it’s going to be a big one for us.”
As the competition intensifies, the focus shifts to the upcoming Test Day at the Le Mans circuit. The 24-hour classic promises excitement, with teams vying for glory and historical significance.
