Introduction:
Porsche Penske Motorsport recently completed its preparations for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans during the official test day. The team fielded three Porsche 963 vehicles, covering a total of 196 laps and 2,671 kilometres. Despite some interruptions due to incidents, the team made the most of the perfect weather conditions to fine-tune their setups and gather valuable data for the endurance classic. This article will delve into the details of the test day, including insights from team members and drivers, as they gear up for the highly anticipated race.
Subtitles:
1. Test Day Overview
2. Team Preparations and Integration
3. Customer Teams Performance
4. Driver Insights and Expectations
5. Final Thoughts and Outlook
The official test day for the 24 Hours of Le Mans provided Porsche Penske Motorsport with a crucial opportunity to fine-tune their setups and gather important data ahead of the race. Despite some interruptions, including red flags and incidents, the team managed to complete a significant number of laps, showcasing their dedication and preparation for the endurance classic.
The team, led by Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Racing LMDh, expressed gratitude for the meticulous preparations that went into readying the cars and equipment for the test day. Notably, the integration of the third Porsche 963 from the USA went smoothly, highlighting the seamless collaboration within the team. Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, emphasized the importance of testing brakes, trying out critical components, and implementing various setup variations to ensure readiness for the upcoming race week.
In addition to Porsche Penske Motorsport, customer teams such as the Hertz Team Jota and Proton Competition also participated in the official test day. Impressively, the No. 38 car led by Jenson Button covered the longest distance among all six Porsche 963 vehicles. The Porsche 911 GT3 R racers fielded by Manthey EMA and Manthey PureRxcing also completed an extensive test programme, further showcasing the depth of Porsche’s presence at Le Mans.
Several drivers shared their experiences and expectations after the test day. Mathieu Jaminet, Michael Christensen, and Kévin Estre expressed confidence in their cars’ performance and the progress made during the test day. Team principals and owners, such as Dieter Gass and Christian Ried, also provided insights into their teams’ performance and readiness for the upcoming race week.
As the team reflects on the test day and prepares for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, there is a sense of optimism and readiness among the drivers, team members, and customer teams. Despite the challenges and interruptions faced during the test day, Porsche Penske Motorsport and its partners are well-prepared for the endurance classic. With a focus on performance, reliability, and teamwork, the team is poised for a competitive showing at Le Mans.
In conclusion, the official test day served as a valuable opportunity for Porsche Penske Motorsport and its partners to fine-tune their setups, gather data, and integrate new elements into their race strategy. With a strong foundation laid during the test day, the team is ready to tackle the challenges of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and showcase their performance on the iconic Circuit des 24 Heures.