Cookie Consent by Free Privacy Policy website The Porsche LMP works drivers reflect on the Le Mans 24-Hours
june 08, 2017 - Porsche Motorsport

The Porsche LMP works drivers reflect on the Le Mans 24-Hours

StuttgartThe six works drivers of the Porsche LMP Team have a tally of 37 entries between them in what is arguably the biggest car race in the world. Five of them have even taken overall victory. But it’s not only moments of glory that come in to their minds when they are reflecting on this gruelling marathon prior to their next appearance on June 17/18.

In the quiet before the storm, the drivers offer personal views into their relationship with regards the endurance classic. The reigning world champion Neel Jani (CH) in 2017 shares the Porsche 919 Hybrid car number 1 with André Lotterer (DE) and Nick Tandy (GB). At the wheel of the sister car number 2 are Earl Bamber (NZ), Timo Bernhard (DE) and Brendon Hartley (NZ).

Earl Bamber: Zombie in the pit lane
“Le Mans 2015 was a whirlwind experience from the very start. It began when I was offered a test in the 919 just before Christmas in 2014 having just become a Porsche ‘factory’ driver. Having come from Porsche SuperCup and Carrera Cup, it was a massive and unexpected opportunity to drive an LMP Hybrid – I could never have imagined getting such an opportunity and it was very humbling that Porsche was putting its trust in me to make such a huge step. At my first simulator appointment in Weissach, our race engineer Kyle Wilson-Clarke asked what familiarity I had of driving a hybrid sports-prototype. I replied: ‘Mate I have no experience whatsoever, I’m used to driving a Porsche Cup car with two buttons on the steering wheel!’ But the test went well and connecting via Orlando on the way home, I got a ‘phone call from Porsche: ‘Get your diary out, we need to make an appointment – you’re driving at Le Mans in June.’ The pen dropped out of my hand.

More information on the press release

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