Porsche ‘will not relent’ as it bids to double down on title success

In concluding every race inside the points – and more than half of them on the podium – Porsche Penske Motorsport ‘works’ trio Kévin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor and André Lotterer saw off threats from Ferrari and Toyota to successfully scoop the Hypercar spoils in 2024.

Two of the #6 crew’s five rostrum results were wins, and one of those wins came in the curtain-raising contest in Qatar, around a circuit that will kick-start proceedings once again in barely a week’s time.

Indeed, the Porsche 963 – introduced into competition only two years ago – claimed a commanding one-two-three finish in Lusail. Hopes are high for another strong performance 12 months on.

“After winning the Drivers’ title last year, our goal is now to clinch the biggest trophy for manufacturers as well,” asserted Porsche Motorsport Vice-President, Thomas Laudenbach, “We aim to make an optimal start in the FIA World Endurance Championship and repeat our triumph in Qatar. We will not relent.

“The Porsche 963 is meant to continue the legacy of legendary endurance racing prototypes like the 917, 935, 956, 962 and 919 Hybrid. These icons from Weissach have shaped endurance racing for years. We intend to achieve the same with our current hybrid prototype.”

“With another win in the 24 Hours of Daytona, we had a perfect start to the new season in North America – now, we want to carry that momentum onto the world stage,” echoed Porsche Factory Motorsport LMDh Director, Urs Kuratle.

“Despite our successes last year, we have continued to refine every aspect – from team operations to the driver line-up and the car itself. We are entering an even more competitive Hypercar class well-prepared. The Qatar circuit suited us well last year, and I see no reason why that should change this season.”

As Kuratle alludes, while there is continuity on the driving front for Porsche Penske Motorsport in 2025 – with Estre, recent Daytona winner Vanthoor, Matt Campbell and Michael Christensen all remaining on-board – there are also a pair of new arrivals, as Mathieu Jaminet and freshly-promoted Julien Andlauer join the fold.

“A new year, a new team and new challenges – I have never been this excited for a season-opener!” enthused the Lyon native, who was recognised as the 2024 FIA WEC ‘Revelation of the Year’ and will share the #5 entry with Christensen and – in the longer races – fellow Frenchman Jaminet. “Finally, I get to compete in the world championship with the factory team – a dream come true!

“I am already very familiar with the Porsche 963 from my extensive experience with customer teams, and over the winter, we have prepared meticulously. I spent a lot of time in the simulator to adapt to the factory team’s procedures, and I hope we can be up at the sharp end right from the start of the season. A victory in Qatar would be the perfect beginning to my latest adventure.”

“Laurens and I enter Qatar as the reigning world champions – that is a very special feeling,” added Estre, who will be partnered in the #6 car by Vanthoor and – on occasion – Campbell. “My memories of the Qatar circuit couldn’t be better; we were extremely strong there in 2024 and secured an immediate victory.

“Our competitors haven’t been hibernating – they’ve surely used all their experience from last year to make improvements – but I’m really looking forward to getting back on-track. It will be a tough challenge, but our clear objective is to defend the title.”

The ten-hour Qatar 1812km will be preceded by the traditional ‘Prologue’ group test at the same circuit on 21-22 February.