In Bahrain, Porsche just has to conclude to be crowned
The brand is on track to become world champion. Both in the drivers' and constructors' standings. The Stuttgart-based company will have to carefully watch Toyota's result.
We made it. This weekend is the final of the World Endurance Championship. With the 8 Hours of Bahrain, the teams will engage in a final battle before devoting themselves fully to next season. But before focusing on the future, let’s stay in the present.
In Sakhir, Porsche will be able to find itself on top of the world. With ten points ahead of Toyota, second in the constructors’ standings, the calculation is simple: Porsche must finish ahead of the Japanese or not concede more than ten units to them. This means it will have to finish first or at worst second and Toyota doesn’t win the race.
« Bahrain is always a very special race. Tire wear is significant, as are the constraints related to heat and the length of the race. There are still many points at stake in Bahrain. Throughout the season, we have been at the forefront in almost every race. I am sure it will also be the case in Bahrain. We would like to end the season with another success, whether it be a victory or at least a podium. We want to do everything to win the World Constructors’ Championship title,” says Michael Christensen of Porsche #5.
Laurens Vanthoor for history
In the drivers’ world championship, the trio Estre/Lotterer/Vanthoor holds the first place with 150 points. They are followed by the Ferrari #50 (115 points) and the Toyota #7 with 113 points. An eighth place in the race would be enough for the crew of the Porsche #6 to secure the drivers’ title.
Given the championship standings, one might think that everything is decided, but that’s not the case at all! It is promising, but with 1.5 times more points awarded in Bahrain, the standings are still very open. So I approach this race with mixed feelings. If we manage to approach this competition with the same consistency and concentration as the previous races, maybe our big hopes will be fulfilled. Last year, we were not very strong in Bahrain. But we understood why. We want to exploit our true potential. Winning the championship would be an absolute dream for all team members,” Laurens Vanthoor adds, who could become the first Belgian since Jacky Ickx to be crowned in the World Endurance Championship.
This race will therefore be very important for Porsche, which can regain a world crown. And one of its drivers can enter the history of this sport.
