Porsche extends LMP1 programme until 2018
Porsche has announced that it will continue to participate in the LMP1 class of the World Endurance Championship until at least the end of the 2018 season.
Photo by: James Holland
The Stuttgart-based marque made its return to the top flight of sportscar racing last year with the 919 Hybrid, securing its first WEC win in the season finale at Interlagos.
Following a major overhaul of its V4 petrol engine-powered contender over the winter, Porsche was able to secure its first outright victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1998 in its second attempt, courtesy of Nico Hulkenberg, Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber.
Such success has prompted Porsche to confirm its presence at La Sarthe and in the WEC for at least a further three seasons.
Porsche’s Matthias Muller said: “It was the revolutionary efficiency regulations that convinced us to return to top-level motorsport for the 2014 season.
“That we have managed to take the crown jewels of endurance racing in only our second year, with a one-two result in Le Mans in 2015 with our highly innovative and complex 919, is an outstanding testimony to the people in the Weissach research and development centre.
“The competition bears fruits and we see further potential for future synergy between the racing and road car programmes. This is why we have extended the programme.”
Porsche currently leads the WEC manufacturers' race by 16 points over sister brand Audi heading into this weekend's 6 Hours of Nurburgring event.
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