Hardwick: Proton, Ford Will Be ‘Winning Combination’ in LMGT3

Ryan Hardwick views Proton Competition’s Ford LMGT3 effort in the next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship as ‘a winning combination’ as he sets his sights on claiming the first world title and 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in the new category.

Hardwick was confirmed on Monday as the first driver for the No. 88 Proton machine for the globe-trotting championship, which kicks off with the Qatar 1812km in March.

It will be the 43-year-old American’s second year in the championship after running a partial schedule with the Christian Ried-run team this year that also saw him make his Le Mans debut.

Hardwick combined that with a successful campaign in the European Le Mans Series, winning the GTE championship aboard a Porsche 911 RSR-19 alongside Zach Robichon and Alessio Picariello.

Hardwick stuck with Proton even as it moved from Porsche machinery to become Ford’s partner team in LMGT3, telling Sportscar365 that he believes a continued alignment with the team is his best chance at continuing his winning form.

Despite that, it will mark the first time since his 2020 move to Wright Motorsports in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTD class that he will not be racing in a Porsche.

“I loved driving with Porsche, I’m an avid Porsche fan and we’ve had a lot of success and it was going to have to be a real, complete package for me to leave,” Hardwick said.

“I had an opportunity to stay with Porsche with Manthey, but I also spoke with several other manufacturers. I wanted to surround myself with the team, drivers, and the car that I think can win at Le Mans and in the WEC.

“I was contacted by some people at Multimatic quite early in the season, even before it got announced at Le Mans. I was really blown away by the Ford when I drove it.

“At the end of the day, after looking at all the options, I do think the combination of Multimatic, the new Mustang GT3, which is super impressive, and Proton [is] one that can win.”

With some WEC experience and an ELMS title under his belt, Hardwick believes his next target is to challenge for race victories in the world championship.

“I had different opportunities with different manufacturers over the last few months,” he said.

“I think my results in Europe spoke for themselves; how I stacked up against Sarah [Bovy], Ben [Keating], and [Ahmad] Al Harthy.

“I felt really confident about my progress and how I competed with those strong drivers, and a lot of teams and manufacturers noticed that.”

Hardwick Praises “Simple” 2024 Class Structure

Hardwick praised the more simple class structure that WEC is set to adopt next year, saying it will improve the overall product for fans and drivers alike.

The removal of LMP2 means WEC will have just two categories for the first time in its history, with LMGT3 joined by an expanded, 19-car Hypercar class.

The Georgia native spoke highly of WEC’s decision to adopt a two-class structure, believing it will make the races easier to follow for viewers.

“I’m excited to be part of the WEC at this particular point in time,” Hardwick said.

“It’s a major effort from the manufacturers, two cars per manufacturer, everyone’s putting their best foot forward, and all the manufacturers I met with are treating it very seriously.”

“From a competitor and fan standpoint, finally we are going to have a very straightforward, simple to follow sport. Two classes. I am the most excited about two classes. Period.

“No LMP2, no LMP3, what is a GTD Pro and GTD? And 74 different podiums. The television can follow two races, the battles at the front of Hypercar and the front of LMGT3. It’s going to be much easier to follow for the fans.

“As a competitor I’m going to enjoy being on track with just one other class, the Hypercars are the easiest to deal with in traffic management.

“They’re so fast, they get past you quick and they still create passing opportunities when they all come by together, sometimes you get the good end of the stick, sometimes the bad end in traffic.

“I think it’s the future of the sport and the right direction for sure. I’d love to see IMSA do something similar.

“These races will be easy to follow, great to watch, and have some great racing.”