WEC – Porsche confident before Shanghai

The Porsche 919 Hybrid did well at Fuji (Japan) since the No. 20 of Timo Bernhard, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley took the last step of the podium ahead of the sister car of Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb. This performance allowed the German team to gain confidence before competing in the 6 Hours of Shanghai (China) this weekend. “Each circuit is a new challenge for our young team with the Porsche 919 Hybrid,” said Fritz Enzinger, the vice president of the LMP1 department. “We handled the situation at Fuji very well, really progressing from testing to racing. We hope to do the same in Shanghai which is a completely different circuit. We are happy to have this circuit on the calendar because China is an important market for Porsche. »

Among the drivers of the Porsche n°20, only Mark Webber will arrive already knowing the Chinese circuit thanks to his experience in F1. The Australian is enthusiastic at the idea of ​​returning to drive on this track which should suit the 919 Hybrid with its long straights. “ It's a superb circuit... My favorite sector is at turns no. 5 and no. 6, it's a very fast section. The circuit also has two long straights, which will allow us to breathe a little and rest our legs. »

Neel Jani's experience on the No. 14 will also be valuable since the Swiss has previously driven on this track with the Lola B12/60 Coupé.Toyota still fielded last year by Rebellion Racing. The Swiss driver did very well, finishing just off the podium. “ I have many good memories of the Shanghai circuit. I have already driven here at the wheel of an F1 during free practice and I also won here in A1 GP and with Rebellion (among the LMP1 private manufacturers). The track destroys the tires quite a bit and their management will once again be essential. We learned a lot about this at Fuji. The famous snail-shell shaped first corner is very beautiful but you can't get away with it with an understeering car. This will play an important part in the settings. »