Porsche's new LMP1 racer has completed its first test drives weeks ahead of schedule, firing a shot across the bows of 2014 rivals - including sister company Audi.
The new Porsche LMP1 hybrid was put through its paces at the German manufacturer's Weissach test track by factory driver Timo Bernhard. Built for the energy-based 2014 World Endurance Championship the car will compete at Le Mans with first testing at race tracks around the world expected to commence in July.
"We are well on schedule," said Fritz Enzinger, Head of the LMP1 programme. "Our newly-formed team has worked with utmost concentration on getting this highly complex vehicle on the track as soon as possible. This allows us a few additional weeks for more testing and further development. From 2014, the regulations are primarily based on efficiency. This makes the competition amongst engineers more interesting and presents us with completely new challenges."
Since Porsche's decision to return to WEC with a 'works' team the Motorsport Centre at Weissach has grown significantly. A workshop and an administration building were built to accommodate around 200 employees who are responsible for the design, assembly and deployment of the LMP1 car. From the 2014 season, the racer will be fielded by a Weissach-based works squad.
Speaking after the initial test, Porsche factory driver Timo Bernhard said "I'm very proud that I was the one to take our baby through its first paces today. Already now the car feels great. I look forward to testing the vehicle in the coming weeks and months."
And for those questioning the relevance of race cars to Porsche production models Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG, had this to say:
"The engineers were able to apply many new technologies within the framework of the regulations that will also benefit the customers of our road-going automobiles in the future. After all, there's a race car in every Porsche."