Porsche aims for double in Mexico

For his first event since the announcement of his withdrawal at the end of the season, Porsche wants to leave on a good note by trying to continue the good momentum created since his victory in the last 24 Hours of Le Mans.

« We clearly want to follow the objective of defending both titles, drivers and constructors, explains Fritz Enziger, vice president of the LMP1 program at Porsche.  After winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the third consecutive year in difficult circumstances, and more recently with a hat-trick at the Nürburgring, we want to conclude 2017 with a third consecutive driver-manufacturer double. »

On the calendar WEC Since last year, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit has represented a technical challenge for engineers and machines due to its high altitude and long straight.

« The most specific aspect of this circuit is its altitude of 2.250m above the sea, comments Team Principal Andreas Seidl. Dry air with less oxygen makes cooling of the power unit and brakes more complicated and also has a great influence on aerodynamics. Lower drags provide less downforce and stability in turns.

« On the other hand, top speeds on straights over a kilometer long tend to be high. In 2016, the team adapted very well to its special conditions. We obviously want to repeat our performance from last year with a victory at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez."

The 2016 edition of the 6 Hours of Mexico was won by Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley for Porsche. This is a great opportunity for the championship leaders to drive home the point by scoring a double in the Mexican capital.

« It's not an easy track, reports the German driver. It is a composite of several elements emanating from the permanent circuit and the city circuit. We are sometimes very close to the walls where precision makes all the difference."

The start of the 6 Hours of Mexico will be given on Sunday at 19 p.m. French time.