Shy debut for the new Porsche 911 GT3 R

The Porsche 911 GT3 R remained behind during Roar qualifying for its first official competitive outing.

Published on 23/01/2023 à 16:19

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Only the 8th fastest time for Pfaff Motorsports in qualifying at Daytona (Photo: IMSA)

Porsche not only inaugurated its 963 at the Roar before Daytona. The German manufacturer is also launching its new 911 GT3 R (Gen. 992) in Florida. Seven examples were in contention during qualifying for the first major race ofEndurance of the season.

In GTD Pro, only one was in contention with the #9 from Pfaff Motorsport. The reigning champion team had to renew its entire crew for this new year following the promotions of Mathieu Jaminet, Matt Campbell and Felip Nasr in GTP. It was therefore Klaus Bachler, Patrick Pilet and Laurens Vanthoor who took over.

The Belgian was the pre-qualifier for the Canadian team, but was never able to challenge for the pole position signed by Maro Engel in 1:46.784 in the No. 79 WeatherTech Racing, finishing in 8th place more than two seconds behind the best time.

Far from Mercedes

Same disappointment in GTD, where the six GT3s from Weissach (Germany) also experienced difficulties. Jan Heylen did the best with a 14th place for Wright Motorsports, almost three seconds behind the Mercedes-AMG GT3 from Winward Racing.

« Our cars haven't been able to keep up with the competition since the start of the Roar, explains Sebastian Golz, Porsche 911 GT3 R project manager. On the one hand, the balance of performance evaluation process is based on basic data such as vehicle weight, engine power and aerodynamics, which helps determine the initial classification. On the other hand, what is taken into account is the data collected on the circuit in comparable track and weather conditions. The organizer receives the data at the end of the qualifying session so that adjustment of the BoP process can begin. We are working closely with the organizers and we hope that the field will be balanced for the race. »

The FIA has certainly banned any public criticism of the Balance of Performance, theIMSA is not under its aegis and tongues can continue to wail on this subject across the Atlantic…

While waiting to find performance, the seven new Porsche 911 GT3 R completed 829 laps and covered 4 kilometers. At Daytona, it is above all reliability that takes precedence.

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