Porsche works driver Michael Christensen says he is ‘totally convinced’ that Porsche will be able to fight at the front of the GTE Pro field in this weekend’s 8 Hours of Bahrain, despite no longer being in title contention.
Christensen and partner Kevin Estre head into the final round of the 2019/20 FIA World Endurance Championship fifth in the standings. The points difference to championship leaders Nicki Thiim and Marco Sorensen can no longer be overhauled, meaning that Christensen and Estre will be unable to retain their world title.
Despite this, the Dane is optimistic about Porsche’s chances at Bahrain International Circuit.
I’m totally convinced that we’ll be as competitive in the coming race as we were in Bahrain last December,” Christensen said. “The foundations are laid for success at the end of the season.
“If we can just make it through the eight hours unscathed, there is a high chance we’ll be successful.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t earn enough points at Le Mans, so we’re out of contention to defend the title. Still, that makes it all the more important to conclude the year with a highlight.”
The 2019 edition of the 8 Hours of Bahrain was an unfortunate outing for Porsche. While the two Porsche 911 RSR-19s did lock out the front row in qualifying, both cars suffered issues and ended the race fifth and sixth in class.
Kevin Estre, Christensen’s team-mate, underlines Porsche’s squandered potential last year and expresses the deisre to ends Porsche’s season on a high.
“I really like the Bahrain circuit,” said Estre. “We were fast there last year in December but unfortunately, we weren’t able to win.
“We’re determined to change that now. After the somewhat negative results at Le Mans, it’s good to get another chance this season to finish on a high note.
“The winter break would be much more enjoyable with a win under our belt. We’ll do everything to be at the forefront in the eight-hour race.”
