Porsche Confirms Bruni; Set for Mid-Season IMSA Effort

Photo: Vision Sport Agency

As expected, Porsche has confirmed Gianmaria Bruni as its newest GT factory driver, following the Italian driver’s exit from Ferrari, which was made official earlier today.

Bruni will join the German manufacturer’s effort in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship beginning in July, with testing set to begin in June.

“We’re delighted to welcome Gianmaria Bruni, one of the world’s top GT pilots, into our squad,” said Head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. “He fits perfectly into our strong circle of works drivers and will join us for the second half of the season.”

Walliser previously revealed to Sportscar365 that the two-time FIA World Endurance Champion and three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner would be a “good fit” for its works program, with Porsche having reportedly struck a deal with Bruni late last year, while still contracted to Ferrari.

A deal was reached last week for Bruni to get out of his Ferrari contract, but not until June, and prohibiting him from competing directly against his former AF Corse team in the WEC.

The stipulations have reportedly left Porsche to place the 35-year-old in its WeatherTech Championship program for the season half of the season.

No word has been given on who Bruni will replace in Porsche’s GT Le Mans class lineup, or the fourth and final full-season driver for its WEC program, which will also be under the Porsche GT Team banner.

Alessandro Pier Guidi was confirmed as Bruni’s replacement at Ferrari, with the Italian teaming up with James Calado in the No. 51 Ferrari 488 GTE car this season.

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