Nico Hulkenberg takes first laps in Porsche 919

Today, the Porsche Team has concluded a three-day test with the Porsche 919 Hybrid in Aragon in Northern Spain. It was the first time Formula One driver Nico Hülkenberg (Germany) had got behind the wheel of the 2014 Le Mans Prototype and he also had his first night drive.

Additionally, two of the regular LMP1 drivers, Timo Bernhard (Germany) and Brendon Hartley (New Zealand), were on duty along with three Porsche works drivers from the GT squad – Michael Christensen (Denmark), Frédéric Makowiecki (France) and Nick Tandy (Great Britain). In total the drivers covered 2,731 kilometres between Tuesday  and Thursday evening on the 5.345 kilometre long track. 

Team Principal Andreas Seidl

“Except for some strong winds at times, the conditions in Aragon were fine. It was important to give Nico the chance to drive the 919 this early on. He familiarised himself very quickly and delivered what we had expected from him, being a world-class driver. Also his personality fits very well into our team and with Porsche. For each of the GT drivers it was their second time testing the LMP1 car. No question: All three have done a very good job. Brendon and Timo have been giving the other drivers great support with their know-how and knowledge of the routines. These were very positive days for all of us and a nice last outing for our initial prototype after a great debut season. Now we will focus fully on the 2015 car.”

Hulkenberg to lead third car at Le Mans

Nico Hülkenberg will strengthen the Porsche Team at the famous Le Mans 24-Hours in 2015, where the sports car manufacturer will enter a third Porsche 919 Hybrid. The 27-year-old completed 155 laps in total on Tuesdayand Wednesday and also drove in the dark on both days. “There were many new experiences in a very short space of time for me and I feel a hundred per cent positive,” he said. “The 919 is great to drive. It has a lot of downforce in fast corners and the hybrid power to accelerate out of slow corners is impressive. The preparation from the simulator was very realistic and I found the night driving especially cool. I’m looking forward to further testing and, of course, to Le Mans.”

Porsche Motorsport