Porsche Faces Disappointment at 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship Opener
Defending champions Porsche faced disappointment at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship opener in Qatar, with neither vehicle finishing in the top ten. Poor qualifying positions, a series of on-track issues, and technical problems hindered their performance, resulting in only two championship points earned. The team looks forward to improving in the upcoming race at Imola.
Porsche, the reigning champions, expressed disappointment following the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship opener at Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit. For the first time since their series debut in 2023, none of the Porsche 963s qualified within the top ten, with Julien Andlauer securing 11th for the 5 prototype and Kévin Estre coming in 13th in the 6 entry. This lack of competitive positioning necessitates further efforts to secure their title defense.
In what became an eventful race, Andlauer was compelled to make an unplanned pit stop just half an hour in due to a damaged tire, causing the trio of Andlauer, Mathieu Jaminet, and Michael Christensen to fall to 18th position. An opportune safety car period allowed them to temporarily rise to third place, but further tire issues and a rear axle problem later limited their performance, resulting in a disappointing finish of tenth place with only two championship points earned.
Meanwhile, the 6 vehicle, piloted by Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, and Matt Campbell, finished 11th, following an early collision that required a rear wing replacement. Despite the setbacks, the team remains hopeful for better results in round two at the 6 Hours of Imola, where they previously celebrated a double podium.
Urs Kuratle, LMDh Director at Porsche Factory Motorsport, acknowledged the challenges faced, stating that while the previous year saw three Porsche 963s on the podium, the current situation is markedly different. He noted some faults but credited the team’s efforts. Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director at Porsche Penske Motorsport, reflected on the hardships, saying they feel they deserved a better outcome despite the tough day.
Porsche’s season opener in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship proved challenging, with poor grid placements, technical issues, and race setbacks leading to disappointing results. Despite their frustrations, the team remains optimistic about future races, particularly the upcoming event in Imola, while aiming to enhance their performance based on their experiences during this event.
Original Source: www.fiawec.com
