Juan-Pablo Montoya could replace Nico Hülkenberg for Le Mans
Unable to retain Nico Hülkenberg due to the F1 calendar, Porsche might recruit Juan-Pablo Montoya for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He could then attempt the triple crown with Monaco and Indianapolis.
Initially, the option favored by Porsche was to retain Nico Hülkenberg, who stood out by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans on his first attempt. The German driver was also in favor of this.
Nevertheless, the FOM and FIA have decided to propose a 2016 calendar that will coincide the Azerbaijan Grand Prix (officially called the European Grand Prix) with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Nico Hülkenberg is obviously prioritizing his F1 commitments and therefore cannot repeat the experience, which forces Porsche to find another candidate for this seat.
A first step has just been taken, as the Colombian has made a mold of his seat in preparation for a test on the Bahrain circuit on November 22, just after the 6-hour race that will take place on this circuit.
Welcome at the wheel of #Porsche919Hybrid. @jpmontoya is having his seat fit for the Bahrain test on Nov 22 @fiawec pic.twitter.com/9E9aSBYXXP
— Porsche Motorsport (@PorscheRaces) 20 Octobre 2015
If the trial were to be successful, Juan-Pablo Montoya would then be a candidate for an achievement that has not been realized in decades: winning the “Triple Crown,” which consists of the three main automobile races in the world, namely the Indianapolis 500 (2000 and 2015), the Monaco Grand Prix (2003), and therefore the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the legendary race.
Such an achievement hasn’t been accomplished since Graham Hill, at a time when it was much more common to mix disciplines (Indianapolis in 1966, Le Mans in 1972, and Monaco in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, and 1969). But even if the Colombian were to win this last crown, he would still be missing the World Champion laurels, which the Briton won twice (1962 and 1968).
With the participation of www.racingbusiness.fr
