Porsche to launch its season at the 6 Hours of Imola
After its disappointment at the 1.812 km of Qatar, Porsche will have to react to compete with Ferrari and not fall too far behind if the brand wants to retain its drivers' title.
The Porsche 963, dominant last season, is not there yet. Although it was the favorite in Qatar, the German car finished far from expectations. Only car #5 managed to reach the points zone. The other, car #6, finished just behind but couldn’t bring any points.
So, nearly two months after the opening round, the 6 Hours of Imola will serve as the battleground for the rematch against Ferrari, who achieved a triple victory.
« After the bitter disappointment in Qatar, we want to even the score in Imola », explains Thomas Laudenbach, vice president of Porsche Motorsport. « Last year, we finished on the podium with both factory cars. The Porsche 963 and the Imola Formula 1 circuit are a perfect match. After our successes in the North American IMSA championship, with victories at the Daytona and Sebring classics, as well as the Long Beach sprint race, the team’s morale is high. We are now looking forward to making our first clear statement of the year in the WEC. »
A good result will be crucial to maintain hope in the pursuit of titles and the defense of the driver’s crown. Even though Imola is only the second round of the season, the championship is extremely short. And under these conditions, every point matters. Just look at the gap last season between Porsche and Toyota to prove it.
The 6 Hours of Imola attract a lot of people and have a fantastic atmosphere. That’s why it has become one of my favorite races since it debuted in the WEC last year. Moreover, it’s always a pleasure to race on such an old circuit: high corners, many gravel traps, slippery edges, and barriers close to the track. It’s a lot of fun! After a tough start to the season in Qatar, we are determined to get back on top, Kevin Estre of the #6.
The Frenchman will want to regain the taste of victory in the WEC, having not experienced this joy since the 6 Hours of Fuji, the penultimate event of the 2024 season.
