Sebastian Vettel takes part in a test at the wheel of Porsche's 963 hypercar after its first run.
The week after the Australian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel will carry out extensive testing behind the wheel of Porsche's 963 hypercar at Motorland Aragon, with simulation preparations and test tracks already being rolled out.
Sebastian Vettel preparing for Porsche test
The Porsche Penske Motorsports Team announced that Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 world champion who will retire at the end of 2022, will test a Porsche 963 hypercar at Motorland Aragon in Spain this week.
The team is preparing for a 36-hour test at the circuit in preparation for their participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Vettel expected to take part in the test in a 500kW car.
The German driver, a 53-time Grand Prix winner during his time in F1, has already driven the car on Porsche's test track at its research and development center in Weissach, Germany.
Vettel has never driven a prototype hypercar, one of the top endurance racing categories such as IMSA and WEC, and is understandably excited to have the opportunity.
“I'm looking forward to testing the Porsche 963. I've already had a chance to get a feel for the car during the rollout in Weissach,” said Vettel.
“I have always followed other racing series, but my curiosity about endurance events made me want to give it a try. I am now excited about the long run in Aragon and am looking forward to my time behind the wheel. It's definitely going to take some adjustment and getting used to, but everyone on the team has been very open and willing to help me. This will be a new experience for me.”
However, while it is too early to tell whether Vettel will actually return to motorsport competitively, the German has never ruled out the possibility. Porsche plans to run three 963s at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours, and the driver lineup for two of them has been confirmed.
However, there is still room for two drivers in the third vehicle.
“Let's see what happens next in this regard,” he said.
“At this time, there are no further plans.”
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Vettel met with Porsche operations staff at Porsche's Mannheim facility on March 14, and the following day had a lengthy simulator session to familiarize himself with the Le Mans car's control system.
On Thursday, Vettel drove a Porsche 963 on the test track and will join Porsche's test lineup in Spain next week. A 36-hour drive focused on preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France. .
Joining him will be Porsche works drivers Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, Frédéric Makowiecki, Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor.
“We are delighted that Sebastian Vettel is interested in our Porsche 963,” said Thomas Rodenbach, vice president of Porsche Motorsport.
“We were happy to support his request for a testing opportunity and had no doubt that we would provide extensive preparation and sufficient time to drive the hybrid prototype. There is no doubt that you will learn a lot from the valuable experience of “Feedback.'' A 36-hour long run with Porsche Penske Motorsports and Motorland Aragon's works drivers provides the perfect environment for this. ”
#Porsche963 – #PorscheMotorsport and #Sebastian Vettel We're looking forward to putting the Porsche 963 through its paces.After proper preparation, 4 times #F1 world champion wins #hypercarwheels of @AragonMotorLand.
Click here for details ⬇️ https://t.co/WXilBmBnG3 pic.twitter.com/xopNpgkCqD
— Porsche Motorsport (@PorscheRaces) March 22, 2024
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