Porsche Penske Motorsport confirmed a change to its lineup plans for the 2027 season within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with Laurin Heinrich taking on a full-time seat of one of many group’s manufacturing facility Porsche 963s whereas Laurens Vanthoor will solely contest the endurance rounds.
Heinrich, 24, is contemporary off a stellar efficiency final Sunday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, the place he , marking the primary Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) win for a privateer within the sequence.
Commercial
The German, who additionally took victories an an endurance-add on within the #7 PPM Porsche 963 alongside Julien Andlaure and Felipe Nasr at Daytona and Sebring to begin the yr, presently leads the championship standings. The prospect for Heinrich to stay there may be doubtful, although, as he’ll miss the endurance spherical at Watkins Glen resulting from a category with the 24 Hours of Spa.
“Porsche has performed a basic position in my racing profession proper from the beginning,” Heinrich mentioned.
”I due to this fact really feel a powerful connection to the corporate and am delighted to be competing for the IMSA title with Porsche Penske Motorsport in 2027.”
Commercial
Laurin Heinrich, #5 JDC-Miller MotorSports at Laguna Seca
Laurin Heinrich, #5 JDC-Miller MotorSports at Laguna Seca
In the meantime, subsequent yr’s lowered position for Vanthoor, who presently co-drives alongside Kevin Estre within the #6 Porsche 963, is a welcomed one for the Belgian. Moreover, Vanthoor can also be anticipated to be introduced quickly as a part of McLaren’s Hypercar program within the FIA World Endurance Championship subsequent yr.
“My journey as a Porsche manufacturing facility driver has introduced me super success over the previous ten years, and I’m very grateful for that,” mentioned Vanthoor, 34. “Collectively, we wish to win extra trophies and titles. “Nonetheless, I personally have a giant dream that I wish to pursue.
Commercial
“On the similar time, I’m very joyful for Laurin Heinrich that he will likely be becoming a member of the everlasting IMSA roster at Porsche Penske Motorsport in 2027. He completely deserves this chance.”
Learn Additionally:
To learn extra Motorsport.com articles .
