Hulkenberg Completes Initial Porsche 919 Hybrid Test

Photo: Porsche

Nico Hulkenberg concluded his first test in Porsche’s 919 Hybrid on Thursday, after getting considerable mileage in the LMP1 car alongside other factory drivers this week in Spain.

The German Formula One driver was joined by Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley and Porsche works GT pilots Michael Christensen, Fred Makowiecki and Nick Tandy for the three-day test at Motorland Aragon, which saw the drivers rack up more than 1,600 miles of testing.

“There were many new experiences in a very short space of time for me and I feel a hundred per cent positive,” said Hulkenberg, who completed 155 laps on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The 919 is great to drive. It has a lot of downforce in fast corners and the hybrid power to accelerate out of slow corners is impressive.

“The preparation from the simulator was very realistic and I found the night driving especially cool. I’m looking forward to further testing and, of course, to Le Mans.”

Hulkenberg was confirmed to drive a third Porsche 919 Hybrid in next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

However, his co-drivers have yet to be determined, but likely to be chosen between Christensen, Makowiecki and Tandy, who got their second test in the car this week.

“For each of the GT drivers it was their second time testing the LMP1 car,” said team principal Andreas Seidl. “No question: All three have done a very good job.

“Brendon and Timo have been giving the other drivers great support with their know-how and knowledge of the routines. These were very positive days for all of us and a nice last outing for our initial prototype after a great debut season.”

Porsche could finalized its 2015 driver lineup by as early as Saturday during its end-of-year awards dinner.

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