On June 11, 2025, the iconic Circuit des 24 Heures in Le Mans witnessed a dramatic 30-minute qualifying battle in the prestigious Hypercar class. In soaring temperatures above 30 °C, 21 top-tier prototypes vied for supremacy, but it was Porsche Penske Motorsport’s pair of factory-entered Porsche 963s that claimed their spots in Thursday’s exclusive Hyperpole showdown .
Heat and High Stakes on the Circuit
Under blistering heat, the track became a crucible. Only the fastest 15 cars from this 30-minute qualifier would advance to the Final Hyperpole shootout, a coveted stage of the all-new Le Mans qualifying format . The rest of the field would line up for the race based on these initial results.
Bowing to Pressure: Andlauer’s Strong Early Lap
Frenchman Julien Andlauer set the tone by delivering a blistering time in the No. 5 Porsche 963, earning a spot within the top six early in the session. Co-driven by Mathieu Jaminet (France) and Michael Christensen (Denmark), the No. 5 proved to be a formidable contender and secured its place in Thursday’s Hyperpole session .
Nasr Nails It on the Final Lap
Felipe Nasr, the reigning IMSA champion behind the wheel of the No. 4 Porsche 963, fought hard throughout the session. With just seconds remaining, Nasr unleashed a masterful lap that placed his car 14th overall, clinching the second factory Porsche’s entry into Hyperpole .
Estre’s Fast Time, Disqualification Drama
Meanwhile, Kévin Estre posted the fourth-fastest time in the No. 6 Porsche 963. However, this strong performance was overshadowed when officials disqualified the car for falling below the minimum weight requirement. This relegation meant Estre would start well down the Hypercar grid for the race, missing the Hyperpole session entirely .
What Exactly Is Hyperpole?
Introduced as part of an updated qualifying format, Hyperpole is a high-stakes final shootout featuring the 15 fastest Hypercar qualifiers. It offers drivers a chance to set the fastest lap of the day and, more importantly, battle for top grid spots. Le Mans returned to this multi-stage qualifying system in 2024, with Hyperpole becoming one of its most anticipated highlights .
Porsche’s Presence: Factory vs. Customer Teams
Porsche Penske Motorsport’s factory squad entered three 963s (#4, #5, #6), and Julian Andlauer’s No. 5 and Nasr’s No. 4 advanced smoothly into the critical Hyperpole round. In contrast, the No. 6 – despite showing impressive pace – was penalized post-session due to regulation breaches
The #4 crew—Nasr, with teammates Nick Tandy and Michelin’s Pascal Wehrlein (making his Le Mans debut)—now have a shot at prime starting positions. Andlauer’s #5 is equally well-positioned after a solid qualifying session.
Weight Minimum Controversy
Estre’s disqualification underscores how razor-thin the margins are in top-level endurance racing. Even a slight weight shortfall can negate a car’s fastest on-track performance. While Estre claimed fourth on-track, his disqualification pushed him to the back of the Hypercar grid, showcasing the sport’s unforgiving nature .
Final Thoughts Ahead of Hyperpole
The qualifying session has set the stage for a thrilling Hyperpole showdown on Thursday. Porsche Penske Motorsport will rely on:
- No. 5, piloted by Andlauer/Jaminet/Christensen
- No. 4, driven by Nasr/Tandy/Wehrlein
They’ll be joined by the top 12 other competitors vying for ideal grid placement in the epic 24-hour race starting June 14.
Ryan Hardwick brings Manthey 1st Phorm’s 911 GT3 R to the Hyperpole
In the LMGT3 class, the amateur drivers had to line up for qualifying. At the wheel of the number 92 car entered by Manthey 1st Phorm, Ryan Hardwick put in a strong performance. The American took the up to 516 kW (565 PS) nine-eleven to third place and thus into tomorrow’s Hyperpole session. The two identical race cars from the Iron Dames and Manthey finished in 19th and 20th place, which means they will not be allowed to take part in the Hyperpole session.
In Summary
- Qualifying Conditions: Scorching heat (>30 °C) and 21 Hypercars competing
- Top Performers: Andlauer’s No. 5 (6th), Nasr’s No. 4 (14th with last-lap charge)
- Controversy: Estre’s No. 6 disqualified post-session for insufficient weight
- Up Next: Thickening the plot for Thursday’s Hyperpole shootout
With two factory Porsches locked into Hyperpole contention and a penalty drama stirring buzz, the countdown to Le Mans’ main event has never been more gripping.
Source : Porsche News
Pictures : courtesy Porsche AG
