Porsche Penske Motorsport Faces Challenging Season Opener in Qatar

The start of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s season in Qatar faced numerous challenges, including tire damage and technical issues. The two Porsche 963 prototypes achieved tenth and eleventh places, earning minimal championship points. The situation contrasted sharply with last year’s podium success. The team aims for improvements ahead of the next race in Imola.

Porsche Penske Motorsport experienced a challenging start to the season at the Qatar race held on the Grand Prix circuit in Doha, where conditions fluctuated from sunny to dark within hours. The two Porsche 963 prototypes faced difficulties, including a damaged tire for Julien Andlauer that forced an early pit stop. Despite these setbacks, the drivers managed to secure two championship points by finishing in tenth place, although they had hoped for a better outcome.

Laurens Vanthoor’s sister car also encountered issues, including being rear-ended during the race start, leading to a necessary rear wing change. The duo of Vanthoor and Kévin Estre concluded the race in eleventh place. Urs Kuratle, Head of Factory Motorsport LMDh, acknowledged the team’s efforts despite the disappointing results, reflecting on the stark contrast to their podium finishes from the previous year.

Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, expressed dissatisfaction with the minimal points earned. The number 6 car faced challenges caused by a Virtual Safety Car incident, while the number 5 car suffered tire defects. Both cars showed potential, and improvements are anticipated for the upcoming race in Imola.

Porsche’s customer team, Proton Competition, finished in fifteenth, hampered by brake problems that limited their performance. In the LMGT3 class, the 911 GT3 R entries from Manthey struggled in terms of power and speed, finishing twelfth and thirteenth. Drivers provided insightful remarks regarding their experiences during the intense race, highlighting areas needing improvement.

Overall, despite the setbacks, there are lessons learned, and the team remains committed to enhancing their performance in future races. The team’s aspiration to rectify these challenges remains a priority as they prepare for the next event, aiming for a stronger showing and better results.

In summary, Porsche Penske Motorsport faced a difficult opening race in Qatar, with significant challenges impacting performance. Both Porsche 963 vehicles encountered technical difficulties, resulting in lower than expected finishes. The team is focused on addressing these issues ahead of the next race in Imola. Continuous improvement and strong teamwork will be essential for future success as they work towards enhanced performance and results.

Original Source: newsroom.porsche.com