Silverstone: Porsche even better prepared

The conquest of a new world title begins this weekend for Porsche with the 6 Hours of Silverstone. The Stuttgart manufacturer will field two 919 Hybrids with high downforce packages, unlike previous years where the German brand was already preparing the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“The 919 has become more efficient thanks to weight reduction and the evolution of several elements. The behavior has been optimized with the suspension and the development of aero », explained Porsche Team Principal Andreas Seidl. “For the first time we have a high downforce package for the fast corners at Silverstone. We didn't have the resources to do it until now because we were fully focused on Le Mans. »

“Since the 2015 season finale of WEC (in Bahrain), we have covered more than 23 km in testing with different specifications. These tests were largely based on endurance and performance”, added Andreas Seidl.

After seeing their chances of victory disappear following a mechanical problem last year at Silverstone, the crew of the 919 Hybrid now wearing the number 1 is hoping to get their revenge.

“We tested the high downforce package at the Prologue (at Paul-Ricard, Var) and I am sure we will have big smiles in Copse, Maggots and Beckets”, commented Brendon Hartley, teammate of Mark Webber and Timo Bernhard. “Our car was in the lead last year with Mark for the first hour before we had a problem. Our goal will be to stay in first place this season, but we expect a close fight. »

“We are not that much ahead of the times achieved by the competition at Le Castellet, but we are positive and we have high expectations”, confirmed Neel Jani, driver of the sister car alongside Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb. “It often rains at some point in the race and our test session at the end of March in Spa (Belgium) was good training. »

Discover the AUTOhebdo WEC Guide available from Monday evening from 18 p.m. in digital version on all platforms and from Wednesday on newsstands.