Hulkenberg Makes Porsche 919 Hybrid Test Debut

Photo: Porsche

Nico Hulkenberg got his first laps in Porsche’s 919 Hybrid this week as the German Formula One driver gears up for his debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year.

Hulkenberg, along with Porsche GT factory drivers Nick Tandy, Fred Makowiecki and Michael Christensen, plus existing LMP1 pilot Brendon Hartley, are on hand at Motorland Aragon for a three-day test with the 2014-spec car.

“It’s pretty cool, I like it,” Hulkenberg said after the first day, which included night-time driving at the Spanish circuit. “It’s great to drive, with impressive downforce in fast corners and massive hybrid power.”

The 27-year-old is the first confirmed driver for the German manufacturer’s third factory entry for Le Mans, with the two remaining seats possibly going to its crop of GT standouts, who were given a second test in the hybrid-powered prototype.

While the test wraps up on Thursday, Porsche could announce its complete driver lineup by as early as this weekend, during its annual end-of-season awards dinner in Germany.

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