Proton Closing In on Second Porsche 963 for 2025

Photo: Porsche

Proton Competition is closing in on confirming a second customer Porsche 963 for the FIA World Endurance Championship next year according to team principal Christian Ried, who has given higher than a 50 percent chance of doubling its Hypercar effort.

The German squad, which currently fields solo 963 entries in both the WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, could shift the majority of its top-class prototype focus to the world championship after contesting full seasons of both this year.

Ried revealed that its WeatherTech Championship program could scale back to the Michelin Endurance Cup races only, depending on budget and scheduling.

“We have to see about the ELMS calendar, obviously, and see how many clashes we have,” he told Sportscar365. “For sure [Michelin] Endurance [Cup] and hopefully a full season.”

When pressed on its chances of a second 963 for the WEC, Ried said: “I’m working on it.”

He added: “It looks ok and is getting more and more clear. Right now I would say 60/40 or 65/35 percent [of it happening].

“In the end I want to have a competitive lineup but also for sure budget is an issue because it’s quite expensive to run.”

Proton is likely to be the only customer of Porsche’s LMDh car in the WEC next year, following comments from Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach, who indicated that they’re not currently in any advanced talks with other teams.

Hertz Team JOTA, which fields two privateer Porsche 963s this season, will move to running Cadillac’s factory Hypercar operation next year.

Should Proton commit to a second 963 in the WEC, it would mean that there would theoretically be one space remaining on the Hypercar grid for another privateer or satellite Hypercar effort in the class.

This accounts for the expected nine two-car factory teams plus the third Ferrari 499P, which when added with two Proton Porsches, would result in a 21-car category.

It would only be possible, however, should Isotta Fraschini or Vanwall not return to the world championship, as both teams would be required to run two cars per the WEC’s new-for-2025 regulation, in what will be a maximum of 22 Hypercar entries on the grid.

Proton Set to Halt Fanatec GT Europe Mustang GT3 Program

While remaining committed to running two Ford Mustang GT3s in the WEC’s LMGT3 class, Ried confirmed they will not continue in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS next year.

The team was handed the single-car Pro class entry following Dinamic’s break-up with the Detroit manufacturer just prior to the start of the season.

“For sure this year, especially with us getting the GT World Challenge program last-minute, wasn’t helpful,” said Ried. “Running four championships is tricky.

“[This weekend], we’re running Indy, Monza and Sports Cup, so we’re running three race events on the same weekend, it’s tough.”

Ried said they are currently “in discussion” to continue its Ford program in the WeatherTech Championship GTD class, meanwhile.

“We spoke to IMSA and for sure we said we want to bring our [GTD] and the 963,” he said. “We’ll have to see what customers we have and what would be the car to run.”

Ried Could Complete WEC Season in No. 88 Mustang GT3

The Proton team boss admitted that he could again climb behind the wheel of the team’s No. 88 Mustang GT3 for November’s WEC season-ending 8 Hours of Bahrain, with its previous Bronze-rated driver Giorgio Roda out of the equation.

Ried stepped in for Roda at the last minute during last month’s 6 Hours of Sao Paulo and again drove the car last weekend at Fuji Speedway after the seat was filled by Ben Keating at Circuit of The Americas.

“Some things came together and it was a question of time and the family business,” explained Ried about Roda standing down from the LMGT3 program. “He had to be more involved in business. He wants to focus on LMP2.

“At the end I’m lucky that I got the chance to drive the car. It’s not that bad.

“It’s much better now. Sao Paulo was the first time where I drove a front-engined [car]. It’s different to drive. For me I had to understand how I have to drive the car to be fast.

“It’s getting better and better. I’m happy I got the chance to do it. But for sure I’m still retired.

“If we can have a driver for Bahrain… I’ve spoken to some guys. If I can find a driver, I’m happy. If not, maybe it’s one more but then for sure it’s done.”

Jamie Klein contributed to this report

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