10 Porsche 911 RSR take on the world’s toughest automobile race

The Porsche 911 RSR
For the Porsche 911 RSR, 2018 marks the second outing at the long-distance race. In its 2017 debut season, the race car from Weissach narrowly missed out on a podium spot, finishing fourth at the Le Mans 24 Hours. Depending on the restrictor, the water-cooled four-litre flat-six engine puts out around 510 hp. The newly developed race car celebrated its premiere in 2017 at the 24 Hours of Daytona. A large rear diffuser combined with a top-mounted rear wing generates high downforce and provides aerodynamic efficiency. 

The schedule
The race starts on Saturday, 16 June, at 15.00 hrs CEST. On Wednesday, 13 June, from 16.00 to 20.00 hrs, teams have the chance to find a suitable setup for the 911 RSR in free practice. On the same day, the first two-hour qualifying session is held from 22.00 hrs. On Thursday, 14 June, two more qualifying sessions are scheduled: from 19.00 to 21.00 hrs as well as from 22.00 hrs to midnight, teams attempt to clock the fastest lap times. 

Live on TV and in the Internet
Eurosport 1 broadcasts round two of the World Endurance Championship live and free-to-view. The TV channel also airs the free practice and qualifying sessions. These live broadcasts are supplemented by background reports and race analyses by Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen, who utilises virtual tools to present and explain the race action. Sport1 televises highlights of the endurance race in a 60-minute programme on Monday, 18 June, from 23.00 hrs. This sports channel also provides online clips of the race at www.sport1.de. 

Comments before the race
Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT Cars: “With the changes to our strategy announced last year and the withdrawal from the LMP1 programme, we’ve also promised to expand our involvement in GT racing. This year’s Le Mans is definitely the highlight, which is obvious by the number of vehicles competing. With a total of ten Porsche 911 RSR, we’re witnessing one of the largest GT line-ups ever. Our cars represent 30 percent of the entire GT field, and we’re very proud of this. We’re anticipating a very exciting race, particularly in the GTE-Pro category. Seventeen vehicles from six manufacturers with top drivers will go head-to-head at Le Mans. We’re better prepared than ever before and after our great results at Spa, our successes in the USA, and especially at the Nürburgring, we’re heading to Le Mans feeling confident.”

Pascal Zurlinden, Director GT Factory Motorsport: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a legendary race, and the history of Porsche is closely linked to it. We want to follow in these big footsteps and be as successful as possible. The key to success at a long-distance event is to still be capable of attacking in the final stages.” 

Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “2018 is a very special year for Porsche because we’re celebrating 70 years of Porsche sports cars. With this being my first time contesting the Le Mans 24 Hours for Porsche it’s also an exciting experience for me. We kicked off the WEC season at Spa very competitively. I can hardly wait to drive again at Le Mans.”

Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “The setup of our 911 RSR for Spa was outstanding. Unfortunately, the strategy was influenced by the safety car phases. But at Le Mans, we have 24 hours until the flag drops and more tyres at our disposal to fight for the podium.”

Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche 911 RSR #91): “Le Mans is the ultimate highlight for many drivers. But for me as a Frenchman, this is the most important race. I’m determined to win this race once in my career. To be amongst the leaders you need a high top speed on this racetrack. Last year we were on track for a podium result until a puncture threw us out of contention an hour before the finish.”

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