ALMS: Porsche confirm drivers for Hybrid car

Porsche Motorsport has confirmed the three drivers who will race the new Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid at the Petit Le Mans in October.

Works drivers Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas will be joined by Audi factory pilot Mike Rockenfeller for the American Le Mans Series finale, which will mark the debut of the Germany manufacturer’s new car in the ALMS.

The trio, who won the Le Mans 24 Hours together for Audi in June, will not be eligible for points in the ten-hour, 1000 mile event as hybrid technology is not yet allowed for in the ALMS’ GT regulations.

The car features two electronic motors at the front axle each developing 60 kilowatts to supplement the 480bhp normal-aspirated rear-engine. Under braking it converts kinetic energy into electrical energy and stores it in a flywheel. During acceleration, this energy is automatically delivered to the front wheels, supporting the combustion engine. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and increases the cruising range. Moreover, drivers can manually utilise the stored energy with a boost-paddle on the steering wheel for overtaking.

“Our priorities are to further develop the hybrid technology and to optimise fuel consumption under racing conditions,” explained Bernhard. “Nevertheless, I’m very interested to see how we compare to the GT2 cars.”

The 911 GT3 R Hybrid made a successful race debut in this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours where it led the overall classification for more than eight hours.

Watch the Petit Le Mans LIVE on Motors TV this October.


Andy Wilkinson

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