It was announced today (25 November 2016) by Porsche Motorsport, that Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb will be leaving the Porsche LMP1-Team. This development follows intense speculation in the press over the past few weeks surrounding the availability of seats in the Porsche team in the wake of Audi’s decision to leave the WEC series. With Mark Webber’s retirement, the sudden appearance of six Audi drivers on the scene, plus rumours surrounding the possible return of Nick Tandy and Earl Bamber, the paddock has been abuzz with whispers and rumours.
The press release today only mentioned that Dumas and Lieb would ‘drive forward on a new road.’ Seeking additional clarity, Porsche Road & Race pressed Porsche Motorsport on the matter and we can report that Marc Lieb will take up a job ‘outside the cockpit within Porsche Motorsport’ and that Romain Dumas ‘will continue racing.’ But for both drivers, this will be outside the LMP1 team.