Porsche Returning To Le Mans LMP1 In 2014

[Plex]

Porsche has officially thrown its hat back into the Le Mans prototype ring, with a newly developed LMP1 prototype racer in the works for the 2014 season. This video gives us a look at some past Porsche winners at Le Mans.

Porsche, of course, has many winners to choose from in its history, having won overall at the legendary endurance race 16 times. The new team will be a works-run affair, but as yet, no details on the driver lineup or the car itself have surfaced, aside from the hint that Porsche will build on its success with its RS Spyder LMP2 car, campaigned from 2006-2008 by a factory-backed Penske Racing team and through 2010 by privateers.

Will Porsche be able to start from (near) scratch and beat back Audi and Peugeot in three years' time?



Motorauthority

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Le Mans organiser the ACO welcomes Porsche's return to the top class

Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l'Ouest has expressed its delight at Porsche's decision to return to the top class of the 24 Hours from 2014.

Porsche announced on Thursday that it would field a new LMP1 car at Le Mans in three years' time - marking the 16-time race-winner's first assault on outright victory in the event since 1998.

ACO president Jean-Claude Plassart said: "We're delighted that Porsche is making its comeback to the Le Mans 24 Hours in the LMP1 category while still racing officially in the LM GTE categories.

"Historically speaking, Porsche is a make closely linked to our event in which it still holds the record for the highest number of victories. That it is coming back to try and improve this figure is great news."

Plassart feels that Porsche's decision is a strong endorsement of the route the ACO has pursued with its technical regulations in recent years.

"It is also recognition of the work carried out by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest in the context of its regulations," he said.

"Porsche in its announcement praised the evolutions and the interest of the regulations that open the door to new technologies. Finally, this announcement shows the ever-increasing prestige of our blue riband event."

ACO sports manager Vincent Beaumesnil said that Porsche would be among the manufacturers helping to shape the next generation Le Mans rules.

"It's obvious that this return heralds the arrival of a new technical approach in the LMP1 category," he said.

"We're already working on the 2014 regulations, and Porsche will be one of the major participants in these discussions. Its contribution to our talks can only be of capital importance given this company's past, and the immense experience it has accumulated in endurance racing.

"We're very happy as not only will we have an additional make in LMP1, but also a manufacturer ready to explore new technological avenues."

Autosport

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Audi Sport Official Response

"This is the decision of Porsche company, a decision in which Audi is not involved. Audi relishes the prospect of every strong new opponent at Le Mans and in the new FIA World Endurance Championship. Porsche’s entry into the LMP1 class is evidence of the high level of attraction of sport prototypes."

Fourtitude

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24 Hours of Le Mans - Audi Porsche ready

Audi seems to intend to stay long-term endurance, despite the announcement of the return of Porsche, a brand of the same group.

The announcement of the Porsche back to Le Mans in 2014 has left guessing about the presence of Audi, because of the relationship between the two brands within the Volkswagen Group. It is very rare to see two manufacturers of the same group compete in a championship.

In the early 2000, when Audi joined endurance, Porsche has abandoned a proposed new prototype, which had yet been tested on the track.

It seems that Porsche has not informed of his intention to Audi in endurance back in 2014.

"This is the decision of the company Porsche, Audi in which a decision is not involved," the firm said the rings on Twitter.

Audi wants to compete with Porsche

Audi seems ready for Porsche and endurance to face the same brand in the world championship which will be launched next year.

"Audi likes the idea of ​​having a strong new competitor to Le Mans and in the new world championship endurance of the FIA," says Audi.

"The commitment of Porsche in the LMP1 class is a proven high level of attractiveness of prototypes. "

Autoplus

[Plex]

Porsche has announced its return to Le Mans 24 Hours for the 2014 edition. The German manufacturer could adopt a hybrid.

The return of Porsche endurance was discussed for many years. The German manufacturer has finally decided to launch the development of a new LMP1 prototype that will be ready in 2014.

"Motor sport has always been an essential part of the Porsche brand," said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. "So for us it was a matter of time before returning as a factory in the main category. "

"The success of Porsche at Le Mans without none. We want to continue that with a 17th victory overall. "

In recent years, Porsche has been present in GT, with 911, and LMP2, with the RS Spyder.

Porsche considering the hybrid

In January 2010, Porsche had already mentioned a return to endurance using hybrid technology as the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, which has a KERS developed by Williams. Porsche did not choose the engine for his model LMP1, but hybrid solutions could be integrated.

"We will start a comprehensive research program to evaluate the possibilities for our new car," says Hartmut Kristen, head of Porsche Motorsport.

"This will obviously depend on the regulations for the year 2014. In principle, these regulations are interesting for us because of the integration of our hybrid technology is an option. "
The unknowns are many

Porsche has established a very long term with competitive debut in three years. In addition to the technical choices, as a prototype open or closed, many remain unknown.

The presence of Audi, Le Mans winner for the tenth time this year, could be particularly challenging because of the relationship between the two marks.

Autoplus

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Porsche celebrates return to Le Mans





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