Frederic Makowiecki will replace Richard Lietz in Porsche’s No. 91 GTE-Pro driver lineup for the 6 Hours of Monza after the latter tested positive for coronavirus.
The German manufacturer confirmed on Friday morning that Lietz is unable to take part in the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship season due to illness.
A WEC bulletin later confirmed that the Austrian had “severe symptoms and was tested positive to COVID-19 before heading to Monza.”
It added that no fines will be imposed on Porsche for the late driver change in a case of force majeure.
Makowiecki, who is due to arrive in time for the drivers’ briefing, will team up with Lietz’s full-time co-driver Gianmaria Bruni in the No. 91 Porsche 911 RSR-19.
Lietz, Bruni and Makowiecki won the GTE-Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month.
Kevin Estre and Michael Christensen will share the No. 92 GTE-Pro Porsche at Monza as usual.