WEC
André Lotterer: Coming back to Endurance, “an opportunity that I didn’t want to miss”
André Lotterer in his new Porsche Penske Motorsport colors. © Porsche
You only have to see his photo published Friday June 24 from the Festival of Speed in Goodwood (England) to understand how happy André Lotterer is to return to Endurance, le sport qui lui a permis de vivre les plus grandes émotions de sa carrière de pilote. À 40 ans, le Francophone est prêt pour ce challenge avec Porsche.
You have never hidden your attachment to Endurance for around ten years, including when you were not taking part. Did the time away from this discipline seem long to you?
I return to the discipline of my heart. My adventure with Porsche WEC had ended prematurely (only one season in 2017. Editor’s note). I had found something to occupy myself in Formula E with Porsche, it was a great challenge, but this return to Endurance was an opportunity that I did not want to miss. Together, with Porsche, we decided to change cockpit!
#PorschePenskeMotorsport – From 2023, two of the new #Porsche963 hybrid #LMDh prototypes will be fielded in both the @FIAWEC and the @IMSA.
Today, the launch of car & team @fosgoodwood marked the beginning of a fascinating Endurance era – our film #HeadAndHeart explains why pic.twitter.com/1ktngaigvK
— Porsche Motorsport (@PorscheRaces) June 24, 2022
Will it be bigger than the FE one?
It's still quite compact! We don't have that much space.
Have you already participated in the development of the car?
Yes, all drivers conducted private tests this spring.
So, can you compare the behavior of the LMDh to that of the hybrid LM P1s of the past (André Lotterer knew the Audi R18 e-tron and the Porsche 919. Editor's note)?
It's difficult because they are two completely different philosophies. The 963 is a slower prototype due to technical regulations. It is heavier and benefits from less aerodynamic downforce. Obviously, I find it a bit of a shame to no longer be able to achieve the same performances as an LM P1, but it will be the same for everyone next year.
Is coming back with Porsche in Endurance also a way of wanting to come full circle? In 2017, you did not win nor the 24 Hours of Le Mans (abandonment), nor the world title in WEC (4th).
Yes. I could almost taste victory with the 919 Hybrid but unfortunately we stopped in Les Hunaudières just three hours from the end while we were well in the lead. I could have scored a fourth victory in the Sarthe (André Lotterer won the 2011, 2012 and 2014 editions with Audi. Editor's note). It's a dream for me to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Porsche, but we will have to see if I have the opportunity to do it because the distribution of the crews has not yet been determined by the team.
Can you tell us a few words about the atmosphere with your new teammates ? You've never ridden with them in competition!
They're all really good guys. I actually never shared the wheel with any of them, whether in WEC or FE. But everyone gets along very well and we already form a very close-knit group. I am optimistic for the future.
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Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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