Frédéric Makowiecki: “The perfect package”

Porsche North America will begin the defense of its 2019 GTLM titles in IMSA in just over a week at the 24 Hours of Daytona (January 25-26), the first round of IMSA.

A season where the Porsche clan (where CORE Autosport will still be operating) experienced some changes in the off-season with the replacement of Patrick Pilet by Frédéric Makowiecki in the seat of the No. 911 RSR alongside Nick Tandy , Matt Campbell supporting the duo on the long races.

“Mako” will be able to count on the 2019 version of the Weissach GT, which will debut across the Atlantic after taking Porsche to the 2018-2019 titles in WEC. " I have two fast teammates in Nick and Matt, admits the Frenchman.

This combined with our team and the new 911, we have a perfect package. We need to find our rhythm quickly, then we can go for victory. »

Porsche has been chasing a victory in Florida in GTLM since 2014, and a success for the Tandy – Lietz – Pilet trio. Last year, Porsche shone in qualifying without being able to finish after a race disrupted by rain.

Frédéric Makowiecki took 5th place in the category with Patrick Pilet and Nick Tandy, when the sister car no. 912, driven by Lauresn Vanthoor – Earl Bamber – Mathieu Jaminet, finished 3rd behind BMW Team RLL and Risi Competizione.

Vanthoor a walk from a dream

What if Laurens Vanthoor's personal goal came true at Daytona? The 2016 FIA GT World Cup winner could well accomplish a feat next week in Florida, without losing sight of defending his crown.

« Daytona is a really important race for me, confides the Belgian. I always dreamed of winning the four great 24-hour classics – Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps, Nürburgring and Daytona. I made it to the top three, just missing Daytona.

We were close last year with third place, but this time we want to win. Another goal this season is to defend the championship title with Earl. A win at Daytona would be the perfect start to the season. »