LMS: Porsche drivers are confident

The GTE Pro category created by the ACO welcomes new cars in particular. It is therefore in this category that we will see this season the new Ferrari 458 and Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. The latter is not strictly speaking a new model but a profound evolution of the model entered in 2010. Over the two days of testing on the Paul Ricard circuit, the “old” Ferrari 430 from the Farnbacher team achieved the best time. , but the new German weapon is only at the beginning of its development.

This 2011 version of the Porsche 997 GT3 RSR is distinguished from the previous one by a new aerodynamic design, front and rear, as well as a modification of the suspension and engine kinematics. The wheels, for their part, are now wider in order to offer better lateral grip and reduce understeer. “ These tests are an opportunity to gradually perfect the development, explains Marl Lieb, official pilot placed at Felbermayr Proton. Are we heading in the right direction? Can we use the information gathered last year or do we have to rethink everything? The weather conditions prevented us from completing our entire program, but the first impressions of the car are very good. We are therefore relatively confident for the upcoming season. ».

Along with his teammate Richard Lietz at Felbermayr Proton, they will try to retain their crown in the category in Le Mans Series. “ The changes are noticeable, underlines the Austrian for his part. In curves, the difference is striking, it is more agile. This session was an opportunity to put our fingers on a basic racing set-up ».

In the French clan ofIMSA Performance Matmut, we were satisfied with the new capabilities of the car which allowed Patrick Pilet and Wolf Henzler to dominate the session yesterday afternoon. French driver is encouraged by the performance of his new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. “In my opinion, the big difference compared to last year's model is its better stability on bad surfaces,” noted the Gersois. This will mainly help us on circuits where there will be large kerbs, less flat than those of Paul Ricard. »

Among the other Porsche representatives in GTE Pro this season, let us finally note the presence of the Belgian Pro Speed ​​Compétition team fielding Marc Goossens and Marco Holzer. Which set the best time for the new German mount…