Porsche Faces Challenges in Qatar Season Opener of FIA World Endurance Championship

Porsche experienced a disappointing start to the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship in Qatar, with neither of their cars qualifying in the top ten. Significant issues during the race, including tire damage, led to a lackluster finish, with the #5 car placing tenth and the #6 car in eleventh. Despite this, the team remains focused on improving for the next round in Imola.

The defending champions, Porsche, expressed disappointment following their performance at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship opener in Qatar. This event marked a stark contrast to their previous year’s success at Lusail International Circuit. In a notable development, none of the Porsche 963s qualified within the top ten for the Qatar 1812km race. Julien Andlauer, driving the 5 hybrid prototype, secured 11th place, missing Hyperpole by only two hundredths of a second, while reigning champion Kévin Estre qualified 13th in 6.

The race start proved eventful, as Andlauer had to make an unplanned pit stop shortly after a damaged tire dropped the team to last in the Hypercar class. Early in the race, a refueling during a safety car period temporarily elevated the 5 entry to third. However, subsequent tire issues and a damper repair at the halfway mark pushed them back to finish a lapped tenth.

Reflecting on the challenging race, driver Michael Christensen noted, “An exhausting, sometimes really difficult race.” He mentioned that contact with other cars was prevalent, resulting in difficulties with tire and brake wear. Despite the hurdles, the team earned two championship points which could prove vital in the long run.

The sister car, 6, finished 11th, facing early issues due to an incident involving Laurens Vanthoor, who was hit from behind and required a rear wing replacement. Looking ahead, Porsche Penske Motorsport aims to improve their performance at the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola, where they previously enjoyed success.

Urs Kuratle, the LMDh Director, acknowledged the challenges faced and emphasized the differences from the previous year’s results. Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome despite the team’s efforts: “We only scored two points – but I feel like we deserved more.” He noted the challenges encountered by both vehicles and underscored the commitment to enhance performance for future races.

In conclusion, Porsche’s outing at the Qatar event was marred by setbacks, including qualifying outside the top ten and multiple technical issues during the race. While the team secured some points, they feel they deserved a better result. Moving forward, they are determined to address the shortcomings and improve their performance at future races, beginning with the 6 Hours of Imola, hoping to reclaim their competitive edge.

Original Source: www.fiawec.com