Our exceptional test of the Porsche 919 Hybrid, the last Porsche to win at Le Mans

Part 1: Revisions and simulation

Weissach, Germany, Wednesday May 23, 2018, 11 a.m. In exchange for my smartphone, a badge with my name is given to me at reception. He authorizes me to enter the holy of holies, the most secret center of development of Porsche. From this moment, cut off from the outside world for the next five hours, my life enters a parallel world, an odyssey which will have its epilogue the following Tuesday on the Spanish circuit of Motorland-Aragon.

The purpose of my visit is simple: after having inoculated the idea of ​​a test of the 919 Hybrid to those responsible for the program two years ago, they are now ready to introduce their creation to a handful of VIPs selected on the shutter. Actors Patrick Dempsey and Michael Fassbender, as well as several international journalists, are on the short list. But before taking control of the most successful LM P1 prototype of the last four years, Porsche wanted to ensure that preparation worthy of the name was provided to each candidate.

Step 1: Preparing the cockpit. © Porsche

The Weissach site, nestled on the hillside, is an anthill where we come across all the brand's future projects, including a horde of Mission E, this 100% electric sedan which will arrive on the market next year (renamed Taycan at the end of 2019. Editor's note). Buildings are emerging from the ground and the test track will soon be surrounded by buildings. Practical, mind you, to ensure the confidentiality of what runs there... The Motorsport department is off-center at the other end of the complex, like a satellite spared from the surrounding frenzy.

Access is ultra-secure, but through various corridors, I find myself entering the workshop dedicated to the 919 Hybrid. Four chassis sit there: two laboratory versions from 2014, the already legendary 919 EVO having broken the lap record at Spa-Francorchamps and the Nordschleife and the one I will drive in 6 days, e