Porsche Confirms LMP1 Program Through 2018

Photo: Porsche

Porsche has confirmed that it will continue with its factory LMP1 program in the FIA World Endurance Championship through 2018.

The German manufacturer, which is coming off a 1-2 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, currently leads the World Endurance Manufacturers’ championship heading into this weekend’s Six Hours of Nürburgring.

“It was the revolutionary [LMP1] efficiency regulations that convinced us to return to top-level motorsport for the 2014 season,” said Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

“That we have managed to take the crown jewels of endurance racing in only our second year, with a one-two result in Le Mans in 2015 with our highly innovative and complex 919, is an outstanding testimony to the people in the Weissach research and development center.

“The competition bears fruits and we see further potential for future synergy between the racing and road car programs. This is why we have extended the program.”

The extension confirms Porsche’s plan to race a new-generation 919 Hybrid for the 2017 LMP1 regulations, which are expected to be an evolution of the current energy efficiency rules.

Further details on its LMP1 program have yet to be revealed, including driver lineups.

“Back in 2012 we began in Weissach with a handful of people, literally a white sheet of paper, high expectations and a strong amount of courage,” said Porsche LMP1 VP Fritz Enzinger.

“I’m very proud of this team of 230 employees and I’m pleased for each of them that from now on we can plan securely for three more world championship seasons and Le Mans entries.”

The future of the manufacturer’s factory GTE-Pro effort in the FIA WEC remains unclear, with indications of the Porsche-owned Manthey squad potentially shifting its focus elsewhere for 2016.

John Dagys

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