Camathias Released from Proton After Testing Accident

Photo: Olivier Beroud Images

Joel Camathias has been released from Proton Competition following his accident in this week’s European Le Mans Series pre-season test at Paul Ricard.

The team’s brand-new Porsche 911 RSR sustained heavy damage after the Swiss driver lost control of the mid-engined GTE contender on his first lap in Monday’s test.

Camathias was due to share the No. 77 Porsche with newly minted Porsche Young Professional Dennis Olsen and team owner Christian Ried in the six-round championship, which kicks off this weekend.

“I am sad about the development, but I understand and accept the situation,” Camathias said. “The accident itself was very unfortunate, and something that never happened to me before in 25 years of racing.

“I was in my first lap and coming to the third corner, the car just ‘went’ as soon as I touched the brakes. It was completely sudden and unexpected.

“Unfortunately, the car has suffered serious damage. I understand the trouble for Proton Competition a few days before the start of the ELMS season.

“Eventually, it was decided to take different paths.”

Camathias, who said the split was mutually agreed, is understood to have been replaced by Marvin Dienst for this weekend’s Four Hours of Le Castellet, with the team reverting to one of its WEC chassis.

Silver-rated Dienst drove with the German squad in the FIA World Endurance Championship last year.

Proton’s sister ELMS No. 88 Porsche will be driven by the all-Italian lineup of Matteo Cairoli and father-and-son Giorgio and Gianluca Roda.

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