Porsche Penske Motorsport's Resilient Performance in Texas

Porsche Penske Motorsport Shows Fighting Spirit in Texas

Porsche Penske Motorsport demonstrated remarkable resilience during the intense race at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Texas. Despite facing several challenges, the team managed to maintain its competitive edge, securing crucial positions in the championship standings. Works drivers Kévin Estre, André Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor not only defended their lead in the drivers' championship but also contributed significantly to Porsche’s standing in the manufacturers’ championship, where the brand currently ranks second with just two races remaining on the calendar.

The Race: Overcoming Challenges on the Hot Asphalt of COTA

Porsche Penske Motorsport faced a tough race day following a mediocre qualifying session. With the temperature soaring to 50 degrees on the Texas track, both the No. 5 and No. 6 Porsche 963 cars showcased commendable speed, keeping pace with the frontrunners. However, unforeseen setbacks, including an unscheduled pit stop for the No. 5 car and a drive-through penalty for its sister car, hindered their bid for a podium finish. Despite these challenges, the team showed incredible tenacity, providing over 65,000 spectators with an exhilarating six-hour race experience.

Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, expressed mixed feelings about the race outcome: “We came here with high expectations and were disappointed with the overall result. The close competition over six hours clearly showed how many cars are now in the fight – even those that joined the championship this year. The race was okay in terms of lap-time performance, however, under the current competitive conditions, we have to start further up the grid to make it onto the podium.”

Team Performance and Key Insights

Despite the hurdles, Porsche Penske Motorsport exhibited strong teamwork and strategic execution. Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Motorsport LMDh, praised the efforts of the drivers and the pit crew: “Our works drivers did a great job, and the team delivered perfect pit stops. We’re not overly thrilled with the results but we did what we could under the given circumstances.”

Managing Director Jonathan Diuguid highlighted the team's ongoing challenge of competing against faster rivals like Ferrari and Toyota since Le Mans. He stated, “The situation in all championship classifications is still tight. Our goal hasn’t changed: we’re here to win titles.”

Customer Team Success: Manthey’s Stellar Performance

In the LMGT3 class, the Manthey customer team continued its impressive form, with both Porsche 911 GT3 R cars finishing on the podium. Alex Malykhin, Joel Sturm, and Klaus Bachler secured second place in the No. 92 car, while their teammates Yasser Shahin, Morris Schuring, and Richard Lietz clinched third in the sister car. This strong performance has bolstered the team's lead in the championship, positioning them advantageously for the final two races of the season.

Looking Ahead: The Battle Continues

As the championship heads to Japan for the penultimate race at the Fuji Raceway, the Porsche teams are determined to refine their strategies and setups to reclaim their dominance. With close competition across all championship categories, Porsche Penske Motorsport aims to capitalize on the lessons learned in Texas to make a strong comeback in the remaining races.

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