Porsche Penske Motorsport has finalized its driver roster for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, confirming Mathieu Jaminet alongside fellow factory drivers Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy in the #4 963 entry.
Speculation had surrounded Sebastian Vettel’s potential involvement with Penske’s third 963 entry after the Formula 1 icon’s testing stint earlier this year. However, Porsche has opted to maintain continuity by entrusting the same trio of IMSA GTP drivers who competed in last year’s centenary edition of Le Mans aboard the third Porsche 963, which raced as #75.
The sister cars, #5 and #6, will feature the regular Penske WEC crews, with Dane Cameron designated as a reserve driver for the event.
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, emphasized the team’s strategic approach: “By fielding the third car at Le Mans, we aim to maximize our chances for Porsche’s potential 20th overall victory. We have selected experienced and fast drivers who have consistently delivered strong performances in the IMSA series.”
The decision to finalize the lineup underscores Porsche’s unwavering commitment to victory. Laudenbach affirmed, “Mathieu, Felipe, and Nick have proven themselves as reliable assets in the Porsche 963. We are confident in our preparation for the June highlight and have our sights set firmly on victory.”
Highlighting the team’s collective experience, Urs Kuratle, Porsche’s director of factory LMDh motorsport, elaborated on the selection process: “With two vacant driver positions, the decision was challenging due to our highly skilled roster. Ultimately, the emphasis on Le Mans experience played a pivotal role.”
Kuratle cited Tandy’s extensive Le Mans history, including a triumph with Porsche in 2015, and Nasr’s four previous outings at the Sarthe as influential factors. He also commended the trio’s performance and cohesion during their joint campaign at Le Mans in 2023.
As Porsche Penske Motorsport gears up for the endurance classic, the collective achievements of its driver lineup underscore a formidable challenge to competitors. With a rich history at Le Mans and a determined roster, Porsche sets its sights on adding another chapter of success to its illustrious legacy.
