Following an exhaustive assessment, Porsche has concluded its selection process for the operational team to spearhead their endeavors in the upcoming LMGT3 class of the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The German subsidiary, Manthey, emerged triumphant and will spearhead the campaign by deploying two remarkable Porsche 911 GT3 R race cars during the 2024 WEC season.
The forthcoming edition of the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC is poised to undergo a transition exclusively to vehicles within the FIA GT3 category. The GTE-Pro class, which witnessed Porsche’s triumphant participation under the works team banner for a decade, has been discontinued commencing the 2023 season. In this class, Manthey prepared and deployed the vehicles with great precision. It is worth noting that Manthey’s inaugural foray in 2013 proved to be successful, securing a coveted class victory at the iconic Le Mans race. Presently, the GTE category, inclusive of the illustrious Porsche 911 RSR, is exclusively permitted to vie in the amateur class, GTE-Am.
The new 911 GT3 R
With a focus on the 2024 season, Porsche’s visionary strategy embraces the all-new LMGT3 class, allowing only the latest-generation Porsche 911 GT3 R to grace the GT grid, impressively churning out a formidable 415 kW (565 PS). Owing to the presence of the top hypercar category, grid spots for the 2024 LMGT3 category are exceedingly scarce. As part of the stringent allocation process, each manufacturer expressing interest will only secure two grid slots. Given manifold considerations, Porsche’s decision to entrust Manthey stems from sporting prowess, strategic discernment, and an association that exemplifies their unparalleled synergy.
“We had huge interest from potential, strong operational teams. The decision wasn’t easy,” explains Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. “However, since the grid spots are limited, we had to make this decision. Our choice fell on Manthey for a number of reasons. Besides the fact that it is a subsidiary, several other factors speak in favor of Manthey: The team is very familiar with the Porsche 911 GT3 R from DTM races and major endurance classics, among others.
No substitute for experience
Moreover, Manthey is closely acquainted with the special characteristics of the FIA WEC thanks to many years of factory racing with the Porsche 911 RSR. Lastly, Porsche’s successful history with the team is an important factor. Together with Manthey, we’ve won the world championship and clinched three class victories at Le Mans. We’re confident that we’ll be strongly represented in the new LMGT3 class next year.”
“The small number of allocated grid positions in the new LMGT3 field of the WEC doesn’t quite do justice to Porsche Motorsport’s broad-based approach to customer racing, unfortunately,” explains Michael Dreiser, Director of Sales at Porsche Motorsport. “This year we have five to eight customer Porsches in the GT category alone. In addition, there are two 963 racers in the hypercar class. We hope that the LMGT3 category will evolve well from 2024 and that we may be able to compete with more customer teams in the future.”
Record winner at Nürburgring-Nordschleife
The Manthey squad from Meuspath is considered one of the most successful teams in the international GT3 scene. At the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, Manthey holds the record number of wins with seven victories. For the 2023 season, the team expanded its commitment and fielded two cars in the prestigious DTM. This proves successful: After three events, works driver Thomas Preining from Austria is leading the drivers’ championship flying the Manthey colors.
“I’m proud that we can return to the FIA WEC Endurance Championship as an operational team and thus expand our GT3 program next year,” comments Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director Manthey Racing GmbH. “We’ve already notched up successes in the WEC with Porsche and have a lot of experience and know-how regarding the tracks and procedures. The 2024 season will be exciting and I’m particularly pleased that we’ll be back at Le Mans.”
Original story HERE
