Porsche announced earlier in 2021 that they would be returning to Le Mans with a new hypercar racer ahead of the 2023 racing season. The car is being built to the cost-controlled LMDh regulations that allow IMSA hypercars to race both in America and Europe. This marks the company’s return to the top level of endurance racing for the first time since 2018. Porsche has now revealed the car that will take it back to Le Mans, as well as some of its driver lineup.
Teaser Images Reveal Some Details On The New Car
The images shown by Porsche reveal a few details on Porsche’s new hypercar. We haven’t got a full glimpse at its new ride, and the car is in its secretive camouflage we see so many vehicles in. The images focus mostly on the rear end and the car's large rear wing, whilst revealing its low and distinctive rear brake light bar. The front of the car is not yet on show, which make sense, as this is the area of the LMDh car that Porsche has the most design freedom over. It's clearly keeping its cards close to its chest.
Drivers Starting To Be Confirmed
News of its driver line-up has been eagerly anticipated, and the brand has revealed its first two drivers. Endurance racing aces Felipe Nasr and Dane Cameron will form the first part of that lineup and will also lead the brand's development work. The LMDh regulations are based around spec chassis, unlike the LMH regulations that sees a manufacturer/team built its own bespoke chassis. Porsche are entering under this rule set, which allows Porsche to fit its own bodywork onto the car and use its own powertrain technology.
Penske To Run A Dual Campaign
Porsche is contesting both a full World Endurance Championship campaign, and a full campaign in the American IMSA sports car championship. The German car manufacturer will have Team Penske run both of its works programs, with Penske having ran the Acura DPi program in IMSA for the last few years before saying farewell to the brand at the end of 2021. Cameron has raced with Penske for three seasons in the Acura, whilst Nasr has won two IMSA titles, one in 2018 and one in 2021. The Brazilian also raced in F1 with Sauber in 2015 and 2016.
Sources: 24 Hours of Le Mans, Porsche