Bamber, Tandy Test 2017-Spec Porsche 919 Hybrid

Photo: Porsche

Newly promoted Porsche factory drivers Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy have returned to the wheel of a Porsche 919 Hybrid, in the first pre-season test for the German manufacturer this week at Motorland Aragon.

The 2015 Le Mans 24 Hours winners have been joined by Brendon Hartley and 2016 World Champion Neel Jani for the week-long test in Spain with an interim version of next year’s LMP1 challenger.

While heavy fog hampered testing on Tuesday and Wednesday, although the German squad was greeted to improved weather on Thursday.

“It’s good to be back in the LMP1 car after such a long time,” Bamber said. “The Porsche 919 Hybrid has made big steps of improvement since I drove it last time.

“I’m looking forward to driving the 919 Hybrid some more in the near future to feel the whole thing.”

LMP1 Team Principal Andreas Seidl told Sprtscar365 that the complete 2017-spec car will run for the first time in February.

Bamber, Tandy and ex-Audi LMP1 ace Andre Lotterer will be part of Porsche’s heavily revised driver lineup next year, that has seen only Jani having been retained in the title-winning car.

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