Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche returns to Le Mans 24 hours

Porsche will once again battle for overall Le Mans 24 hour victory. Hybrid power likely

Porsche is returning to Le Mans. The German car maker is the most successful marque at the 24-hour race, with 16 overall victories. And from 2014 it will once again be challenging for honours with a sports prototype in the top LMP1 category. It comes days after a Porsche 911 once again clinched victory at the Nurburgring 24-hour race, courtesy of Manthey Racing, while Porsche’s hybrid 911 finished the race for the first time. It’s a huge hint that a return to the Le Mans big time would be with a hybrid-powered Porsche RS Spyder racer. The diesel Audi and Peugeot LMP1 cars currently dominate the race’s top positions, so alternative power seems likely. Any decision on how the new Porsche racer is powered will be heavily influenced by what the race regulations are set to allow in three years’ time, however. Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche Motorsport – ‘Now we will begin with detailed research in order to evaluate the various concept alternatives for our new car. These obviously depend on how the regulations for the year 2014 look in detail. In principle, these regulations are interesting for us because the integration of our hybrid technology in the vehicle concept is one possible option.’ Porsche last won the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1998 with the legendary 911 GT1 of Allan McNish, Laurent Aiello and Stephane Ortelli. McNish currently drives Audi’s LMP1 car, and was quick to welcome Porsche’s return via Twitter – ‘Great news about Porsche back in LMP1 at Le Mans, looking forward to good hard competition from the boys from Flacht.’

Advertisement - Article continues below

Join evo's Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Porsche 911 (992.1, 2018-2024) – the 911 of the digital age
BMW M3 Competition v Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio v Porsche 911 Carrera
In-depth reviews

Porsche 911 (992.1, 2018-2024) – the 911 of the digital age

The 992.1-generation 911 took time to reveal its character, but it departs Porsche’s lineup as a sports car with enormous breadth and ability
13 Sep 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025
This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars
Lamborghini Revuelto
Opinion

This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars

Youngsters not into cars any more? The remedy’s obvious, reckons Richard Porter
7 Feb 2025
Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers
Best GT cars 2025
Best cars

Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers

The best GTs must marry the opulence, comfort, refinement and appointment of a luxury saloon, with the style, performance, engagement and sense of occ…
10 Feb 2025