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Proton Working On Two-Car GTE-Am Effort for 2018

Proton Competition working on two-car GTE-Am effort for 2018…

Photo: Porsche

Proton Competition could return to a two-car operation in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year, while also doubling its effort in the European Le Mans Series, according to team boss Christian Ried.

The German squad, which is currently tied for the lead in the GTE-Am title race entering this weekend’s Six Hours of Mexico, is working on adding a second entry to its lineup, reviving its previous multi-car program in the series.

Proton operated three Porsche 911 RSRs in last year’s championship, including a factory backed GTE-Pro entry as a transitional year for the German manufacturer, as well as KCMG’s GTE-Am effort.

“We have a lot of ideas but the goal is to stay in both championships,” Ried told Endurance-Info.

“We will like to make a bigger effort next year, with two cars in each series. However, it is still a little too early to be able to announce anything.”

Despite its longtime relationship with Porsche, Ried said a deal with the manufacturer is not yet done, with the new-for-2017 mid-engined Porsche reportedly high in demand from customers worldwide.

Porsche has yet to detail how many cars it will make available or the customer support program.

“I have not signed any contracts yet,” Ried said. “One thing is certain: we have a long history with Porsche, we have worked a lot with them.

“Now the new Porsche 911 RSR is available for sale. We are interested, so we will see.”

While questions surround the future of the prototype ranks, Ried has given high marks on the WEC’s GTE-Am class, which has seen lower car counts but diverse grids and close competition.

The longtime team owner/driver is coming off his first class win in the series since 2012, last time out at Nürburgring.

“I think this category is going in the right direction,” Ried said. “The ACO and the FIA ​​are doing a good job on this.

“It’s not easy for them because I think making a good Performance Balance is not easy.

“In the end, if you look at what is happening elsewhere, the FIA ​​WEC is the best endurance championship in the world and especially in GTE, both in Pro and Am. I am therefore delighted with what is going on there.”

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

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