Nasr: Porsche Among “Few Approaches” for 2023 Deal

Photo: Rick Dole/IMSA

Felipe Nasr has confirmed that Porsche has been among the manufacturers that have approached him on a top-class prototype contract for 2023, in what the Brazilian driver feels will be a “prime time” for motorsports in general.

The 2018 IMSA Prototype champion and former open-wheel ace is believed to be among the top drivers on the market amid the arrival of the LMDh platform and additional Le Mans Hypercar manufacturers in 2023.

Sportscar365 understands that Nasr and fellow IMSA DPi star Dane Cameron are close to deals with Porsche that could place both drivers in Porsche Penske Motorsport’s roster, either in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship or FIA World Endurance Championship.

When asked if he’s talked to the German manufacturer, Nasr said “they are one of them.”

“It’s the time of the year where all of the negotiations happen,” he told Sportscar365.

“There have been a few approaches so far,” noting interest has come from both LMDh and LMH manufacturers.

It’s understood Nasr has also been on Ferrari’s short-list for its WEC program that’s also set to debut in 2023.

The 28-year-old, who made the switch to sports car racing full-time in 2018 after a stint in Formula 1 with Sauber, said his timing has been right amid the ramped up demand for experienced sports car racing drivers.

Nasr has been a staple at Action Express Racing for the last three years, winning key enduros such as the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Motul Petit Le Mans.

He and Pipo Derani currently sit second in this year’s IMSA DPi title race following back-to-back wins at Watkins Glen and Road America.

“I’m pretty pleased that I joined sports car racing three or four years ago and put myself on top of the list in showing the results, winning championships,” said Nasr.

“This is where I see myself staying, likely for the LMDh era, which I think is going to be a prime time for motorsport in general, seeing all of these manufacturers joining. 

“It’s going to be great racing. I feel this is going to be a great opportunity for drivers and teams to put their name in history.

“The switch to sports car racing is paying off. I’m so glad I did it and got the experience and knowledge.

“I’ve still got a championship I want to win [this year] and then we are going to think on the future.”

Should Nasr sign with Porsche, it’s believed he will relinquish driving duties of the No. 31 Whelen Engineering-sponsored Cadillac DPi-V.R at the end of this season in order to be a part of the German manufacturer’s LMDh development program.

Former Porsche factory driver Earl Bamber, who is understood to have recently tested Chip Ganassi Racing’s Cadillac DPi, is believed to be among the drivers that could take over Nasr’s seat in 2022.

The Kiwi, who now lives in Nashville, told Sportscar365 that he has “nothing to say” about his future plans, which is expected to be confirmed in the coming months.

Daniel Lloyd contributed to this report

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