SPORT An exceptional team effort from Porsche Penske Motorsport

It’s a record. From June 12th to 16th, nearly 329,000 fans gathered around the Circuit de la Sarthe for the world’s most prestigious endurance race, bringing together 186 drivers, 62 teams, and 23 hypercars. One of the favorites to come home at the front of the field: Porsche Penske Motorsport. Partnering with TAG Heuer, the team once again delivered a remarkable performance.

Reflecting the Swiss Maison’s commitment to excellence, the German manufacturer constantly strives for perfection, especially in the Sarthe. This year, the Porsche Penske Motorsport team had a stellar lineup to boost their chances of winning a 20th title. Among the drivers were Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, Frédéric Makowiecki, Kévin Estre, André Lotterer, Laurens Vanthoor, and Mathieu Jaminet.

“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is undoubtedly the most important race of the year, and I’m not the only one who thinks so; all the drivers feel the same,” said Jaminet a few hours before the intense race began. With exceptional teamwork and effort, the teams improved on their 2023 performance and finished in 4th (Porsche #6), 6th (Porsche #5) with one entry as a DNF (Porsche #4). These results did not stop Kévin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, and André Lotterer from continuing to lead the overall WEC standings with 99 points.

Since 2023, drivers have showcased their talents in a hybrid vehicle combining a 4.6-liter V8 engine, with roots tracing back to the Porsche RS Spyder and the 918 Spyder supercar, with two small turbochargers and an added hybrid system in the 963. The prototype produces a total power output of approximately 690 hp. In short, it is a true technological marvel, now matched by TAG Heuer’s equivalent: the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963, an exceptional limited edition chronograph released in 963 pieces.

In 1951, Porsche participated for the first time in the world’s biggest endurance race. Since then, the brand has been represented on the starting grid every year. Today, 855 Porsche racing cars have competed in this classic event. With 19 overall wins and 110 class victories, the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is by far the most successful in the history of the event organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO). And they intend to build on this legacy for years to come.