Porsche in the hunter's position at Fuji: "We want to change the order of things"

Toyota - Porsche - Ferrari : here is for the moment the trio in order of the 2024 Constructors' Championship in WEC. A hierarchy that tipped in favor of the Japanese brand after the 24H of Le Mans, with a victory in São Paulo (Brazil) in July and a 2nd place in Austin (United States) at the beginning of September. The reigning world champion team has regained the lead in the championship ahead of Porsche, which is not as in form as at the start of the season. Since the double round-the-clock race in Sarthe, the Stuttgart firm has certainly scored a double podium in São Paulo (behind Toyota), but was largely beaten in Austin, finishing 6th and 7th in Texas.

Porsche is now 11 points behind Toyota heading into the seventh and penultimate round of the season, the 6 Hours of Fuji. For the German manufacturer, this would be the perfect opportunity to regain the lead in the championship and put a big blow on the Japanese clan, unbeaten on home soil since 2016. To do this, Thomas Laudenbach's team will rely on the proven experience of the last edition, in 2023. Last year, for its first season in Endurance, the 963 had held its own against the GR010s before giving way and finishing 3rd.

"In the last race in America we had to give up the championship lead. Today we want to change the order of things again, says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. Last season, our strategy with the Porsche 963 on its first outing at Fuji worked very well. The circuit also suits us. I hope we can repeat that performance this year. We want to get back on the podium, ideally on the top step. I am particularly looking forward to meeting the Japanese fans. They never fail to make the race at Fuji very special.”

Porsche vs Toyota, the match of the weekend

In terms of the BoP, this will be slightly more favorable for Porsche: the 963 loses 4 kg compared to Lone Star Le Mans and also gains 3 kW of power under the speed of 250 km/h. On the contrary, Toyota is the most penalized manufacturer with 5 additional kg and 4 kW of power less compared to Austin. However, the BoP might not be enough for Porsche against Toyota's immense experience at Fuji.

"You always have to find a compromise with the car settings on this legendary circuit of Formula 1 located at the foot of Mount Fuji, explains Urs Kuratle, director of the LMDh plant program. The start-finish straight is almost 1,5 kilometres long. Low drag and a very high top speed are essential here. Other sections of the circuit require exactly the opposite. Some corners, especially in the second sector, require maximum downforce. Last season, we found excellent set-ups for our two Porsche 963s under these conditions. This year again, the knowledge gained will help us get the most out of our cars.

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