Porsche Penske Motorsport’s goal on the Rolex 24 at Daytona is evident: to safe a 3rd consecutive victory after profitable the race with the 963 LMDh in every of the previous two years.
Nevertheless, confidence within the storage doesn’t translate into complacency. The workforce is nicely conscious that the hole to its opponents has narrowed dramatically and that, with the intention to obtain this three-peat, pure pace alone won’t be sufficient this Saturday and Sunday.
When discussing the opportunity of combating for the win and the general complexity of this yr’s race, Thomas Laudenbach, head of Porsche Motorsport, admits the 2026 version could possibly be much more difficult than earlier ones wherein the German producer managed to outduel Cadillac and Acura within the last hours.
“We would like the third one,” he stated. “It’s going to be troublesome. If I take a look at all of the lap occasions and take a look at the endurance exams of our opponents, I believe it’s going to be very tight.
“And I’d suppose that single-lap efficiency won’t be decisive. I consider it can come right down to technique and never making errors. No penalties. Correct tyre administration. And I believe the workforce that executes finest will win the race. However in fact, we’re going for the third consecutive victory.
#24 BMW M Group WRT BMW M Hybrid V8: Dries Vanthoor, Sheldon van der Linde, Robin Frijns, Rene Rast
Photograph by: Jake Galstad / Lumen by way of Getty Photos
The BMW query and respect for the competitors
One of many key storylines of this version is the reshaping of the grid, particularly with WRT working the manufacturing facility BMW programme in GTP, having already run its Hypercar effort within the World Endurance Championship since 2024.
Whereas a change of this magnitude sometimes requires an adaptation interval, Porsche maintains full respect for the capabilities of its rivals. On the identical time, it doesn’t overlook the American producers that proved their energy final yr, although it factors to its German counterparts as those probably to trigger complications over the weekend.
“BMW might be a bit totally different as a result of they modified their operations workforce, which at all times requires some form of build-up and adaptation work. However we by no means underestimate WRT. I imply, they’re top-of-the-line groups. So we anticipate them to be sturdy, even when they nonetheless have some adaptation work to do,” stated Laudenbach.
“If we discuss Cadillac and Acura, they’re nicely organised. They have been very sturdy final yr. So belief me, we take them significantly. They know the best way to get the job accomplished and it will likely be a tricky combat. So we positively don’t underestimate anybody.”
Leaving WEC and stability in IMSA
Lastly, Laudenbach identified that Porsche’s exit from the WEC’s Hypercar doesn’t have an effect on its North American operation. Removed from seeing it as a disruption, the workforce highlights the independence each programmes have at all times maintained and the way the provision of skilled personnel might truly work in its favor this yr.
“It’s not a giant distinction. I imply, regardless that we had Penske as a associate in each sequence, we at all times made certain that the operation might run by itself in WEC. I believe that’s as a result of we at all times had calendar clashes.
“So I’d say that for the US workforce and for the actions right here, it’s not a giant distinction. In fact, it has an influence. And it most likely even offers us extra alternatives, as a result of we’ve quite a lot of good individuals who have been beforehand in WEC and at the moment are right here. However I’d say it’s a minor affect.”
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