Four-Car Factory Porsche Effort Possible for 24H Le Mans

Photo: Porsche

Porsche could field as many as four factory GTE-Pro entries in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, potentially with the U.S.-based CORE autosport-run operation, it has been revealed.

The German manufacturer, which will again enter two mid-engined Porsche 911 RSRs in both the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship next year, is understood to be evaluating an increased effort for the French endurance classic.

Such an program, which could be similar to Ford’s four-car Le Mans campaign from the last two years, would ultimately be a decision of the ACO Selection Committee, according to Head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser.

“It’s not finally decided. We’ll see,” he said.

When asked whether the IMSA-based CORE squad could make the trip to Le Mans, Walliser said: “Could I [use CORE]? Yes I could do. Will I do? I will not tell you!”

A three or four-car Le Mans effort would be just one of the possible points of expansion for Porsche.

It previously confirmed an increased focus in GT racing in response to the manufacturer’s decision to pull out of LMP1 competition at the end of the year.

“As every year you look at all the options, that you can do worldwide,” Walliser said.

“Our impact in GT racing is part of our strategy to increase our racing in the GT categories. This is not only GTE but we’re looking at GT3 series.

“We have to think VLN, 24 Hours of Nürburgring, Intercontinental GT Challenge we still consider as important. All these things are going on.”

Walliser said they’ve ruled out running additional factory entries in January’s WeatherTech Championship season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona.

BMW to Focus to Two M8 GTEs for Le Mans

While Ford and Porsche could utilize its IMSA teams for multi-car efforts at Le Mans, BMW will focus on a single, two-car operation from BMW Team MTEK, according to BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

Marquardt told Sportscar365 last month they have no plans to bring it’s U.S. team, since confirmed as BMW Team RLL, to France.

The German manufacturer will make its first start at Le Mans since 2011 and maiden WEC campaign.

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