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Porsche Completes First Test With 2017-Spec 919 Hybrid

Porsche completes first test with full 2017-spec 919 Hybrid…

Photo: Porsche

Photo: Porsche

Porsche has completed the first test with its full 2017-specification LMP1 challenger this week at Motorland Aragon, ahead of the start of the FIA World Endurance Championship season.

More than 4,400 miles were covered in the new Porsche 919 Hybrid over the course of the five-day test in Spain, which was hampered by fog in the night-time hours.

All six drivers, including new signings Earl Bamber, Nick Tandy and Andre Lotterer, took part, following an initial test with an interim 2017 car in December.

“The focus was split between development work and endurance,” said chief race engineer Stephen Mitas.

“There were only minor issues, including fog during the planned night session. The test was therefore extended by two days, joining Toyota on track.”

Team principal Andreas Seidl added: “Conditions in general were good, dry and sunny during the days, high humidity and fog in the evenings.

“The main focus was approval of the 2017 car spec for Silverstone and Spa, reliability, set up and tire testing.

“It was a very positive test with the full 2017-spec [919] on track for the first time, preparing for Silverstone but still some homework left for Le Mans.”

Tandy and Lotterer join defending World Champion Neel Jani in the No. 1 Porsche, with Bamber replacing the newly retired Mark Webber in the No. 2 car alongside Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley.

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John

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