Porsche targets victories on Le Mans return with LMDh prototype

Porsche is targeting a victorious return to the Le Mans 24 Hours with an LMDh prototype that will contest full seasons in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar championship from 2023.
Porsche targets victories on Le Mans return with LMDh prototype

Porsche is targeting a victorious return to the Le Mans 24 Hours with an LMDh prototype that will contest full seasons in the World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar championship from 2023.

The German manufacturer has been absent from the top class at Le Mans since the end of the 919 Hybrid LMP1 programme in 2017, but it will return to contest the LMP2-based LMDh hybrid category from 2023 after receiving approval from the board.

As well as returning to the WEC, Porsche will also run a parallel effort to compete in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, with its sights firmly set on winning.

“The new LMDh category allows us to fight for overall victories with a hybrid system at the Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring classics – without breaking the bank,” explained Porsche AG CEO Oliver Blume.

“The project is extremely attractive for Porsche. Endurance racing is part of our brand’s DNA.”

Audi will also develop an LMDh prototype to contest the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours, with news of Porsche’s inclusion taking the number of confirmed manufacturers so far up to four, with Toyota and Peugeot having previously signalled their commitment.

"I’d like to thank our board of directors for the immense confidence they have in the motorsport strategy we’ve developed,” Porsche motorsport vice president Fritz Enzinger added.

“We hold a record with our 19 outright wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and we’ve climbed to the top podium step many times at major races in the USA. We can continue this tradition with an LMDh vehicle while at the same time keeping costs reasonable. There has been huge interest from other manufacturers.

“I hope we can pick up where we left off with the famous clashes against many other marques in the 1980s and 90s. That would give the entire motor racing scene a huge boost.”

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