Porsche Penske Motorsport faced a demanding weekend at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps during the third round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). In a race marked by multiple safety car periods and intense competition, the team gained valuable insights as they prepare for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Porsche 963s Navigate Turbulent Race
The No. 6 Porsche 963, driven by Kévin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, and Pascal Wehrlein, started strong, moving from 12th to 7th early in the race. However, after the first pit stop, the car slipped to 11th. Despite a late-race push that brought them back into the top six, a final refueling stop just before the end saw them finish in 9th place.(
The No. 5 Porsche 963, with drivers Michael Christensen, Julien Andlauer, and Nico Müller, encountered early adversity when Andlauer was spun off the track on the opening lap. Rejoining at the back of the hypercar field, the team fought back to finish 12th.
Iron Dames Achieve Milestone in LMGT3 Class
In the LMGT3 category, the Iron Dames team, featuring Célia Martin, Rahel Frey, and Michelle Gatting, delivered a commendable performance. Starting from 13th, Martin quickly advanced into the top ten, reaching 7th after the first fuel stop. The trio even briefly challenged for the lead before finishing 10th, securing their first world championship point of the season
Looking Ahead to Le Mans
Despite the challenges faced at Spa, Porsche Penske Motorsport remains focused on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled for June 14-15. The team aims to apply the lessons learned from Spa to enhance their performance at the iconic endurance race.
Race result
Hypercar class:
1. Pier Guidi/Calado/Giovinazzi (ITA/GBR/ITA), Ferrari #51, 150 laps
2. Fuoco/Molina/Nielsen (ITA/ESP/DNK), Ferrari #50, +4.229 seconds
3. Gounon/Makowiecki/Schumacher (FRA/FRA/DEU), Alpine #36, +5.148 seconds
9. Estre/Vanthoor/Wehrlein (FRA/BEL/DEU), Porsche 963 #6, +1.01.871 minutes
12. Andlauer/Christensen/Müller (FRA/DNK/SUI), Porsche 963 #5, +1.27.554 minutes
DNF Jani/Pino/Varrone (SUI/CHL/ARG), Porsche 963 #99, 22 laps
LMGT3 class:
1. Heriau/Mann/Rovera (FRA/USA/ITA), Ferrari #21, 137 laps
2. Gattuso/Levorato/Olsen (ITA/ITA/NOR), Ford #88, +40.230 seconds
3. Flohr/Castellacci/Rigon (SUI/ITA/ITA), Ferrari #54, +42.104 seconds
7. Hardwick/Lietz/Pera (USA/AUT/ITA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #92, +1 lap
10. Frey/Gatting/Martin (SUI/DNK/FRA), Porsche 911 GT3 R #85, +1 lap
Full results and championship standings https://fiawec.alkamelsystems.com.
Edited Porsche Factory Press Release
Pictures & Video courtesy Porsche AG
