Team Principal Andreas Seidl focuses on the coming championship round on the 4.304 kilometre long Grand Prix circuit at the million-resident metropolis of Mexico City: “The most specific feature is the altitude of 2,250 metres above sea level. Thin air with less oxygen makes appropriate cooling of the power train and brakes difficult and also has a huge influence on aerodynamics. Lower drag leads to less downforce and stability in the corners. On the other hand top speeds on the 1.2 kilometre long straight tend to be high. In 2016, the team adapted very well to these special requirements. We certainly would love to repeat last year’s win at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez.”
The circuit is named after the brothers Pedro Rodriguez and Ricardo Rodriguez, who’s successes are fondly remembered at Porsche; especially the feats of Pedro Rodriguez who became sports car world champion with the 917 in 1970. The circuit is narrow and challenging. Its landmark is the right-left-hander in front of the steep grandstands of a former baseball stadium. The race starts at noon on Sunday and will be broadcasted worldwide on the internet and television.
The Porsche LMP drivers before the race in Mexico City
Drivers Porsche 919 Hybrid car number 1:
Neel Jani (33, Switzerland): “This year’s summer break was a little different because I was obviously busy with planning for the future. But I also trained at high altitude to prepare specifically for the race at Mexico City. The overseas races will now become the 919’s farewell tour. I want to give everything to get top results, absorb everything and enjoy every single moment with this great Porsche Team.”
André Lotterer (35, Germany): “I’m very much looking forward to the next race. In 2016, the Mexican fans were very enthusiastic. One could feel that in this country there is a lot of passion for racing, and the circuit has a great history to it. I did a Champ Car race there in 2002 which was a great experience. In the WEC last year I managed the overall fastest qualifying lap, and in the race we had a cool catch up until some brake problems occurred. Somehow I always feel very comfortable in this part of the world. Perhaps this is down to my Peruvian father.”
Nick Tandy (32, Great Britain): “I have never been to Mexico and for me it will be the first time to discover a new race track with the 919 Hybrid. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m sure the simulator work will help. I know the team was strong there in 2016 and so I hope we can fight for the victory again. I had quite a busy summer with some events and races with my own team. Now I can just concentrate on enjoying driving the 919 again.”
