Hörr Replaces DHH at Project 1 for Remainder of Season

Photo: MPS Agency

Reigning Michelin Le Mans Cup champion Laurents Hörr has replaced David Heinemeier Hansson at the wheel of the No. 56 Team Project 1 Porsche 911 RSR for the remainder of the 2019-20 FIA World Endurance Championship season.

Hörr’s name first appeared on the latest version of the entry list for this weekend’s Lone Star Le Mans event at Circuit of The Americas, although the German team has since confirmed he will join Egidio Perfetti and former Porsche Young Professional Matteo Cairoli for the final four races in the GTE-Am class entry.

“It was a long decision-making process involving all the important heads of the team as well as Egidio,” said team principal Axel Funke. “In the end, the question was: How can we improve the performance and contest the rest of the season without changing drivers again.

Team manager Marcel Jürgens-Wichmann “thanked” Heinemeier Hansson for his time with the organization, although did not give a specific reason for his exit.

“The whole team wishes David all the best for his future in motorsport as well as in his private life. He will always remain part of the Project 1 family.”

Hörr, who like Heineimeier Hansson is Silver-rated by the FIA, has previous experience in a Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“We want to give Laurents the chance to prove his talent in competition with the best,” Funke said. “The successes he has enjoyed in GT as well as prototype racing make us feel positive that we can develop him well.

“Of course, we see the race in Austin as a first test run for both sides.”

The move, according to the team, has also been supported by Porsche Motorsport.

“For me, entering the world championship is an important and right step,” Hörr said. “I am aware of the responsibility: Team Project 1 is currently defending the title.

“Nevertheless, I will be concentrating on myself and my learning curve. I know that I have to learn a lot in the short term, but I feel completely up to the task.”

The team’s No. 57 Porsche, which won last time out in Bahrain, will see the return of Felipe Fraga this weekend after a two-race absence due to his Brazilian Stock Car commitments. 

His co-drivers Jeroen Bleekemolen and Ben Keating are currently tied for the lead of the GTE-Am drivers’ championship.

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