4 time F1 world champion Sebastien Vettel completed 118 laps in the Porsche 963 in a test at Motorland Aragon, as part of the German manufacturer’s 36 hour test in preparation for Le Mans in June.
Vettel, who finished his full-time racing career in F1 in 2021, drove the 963 for a total of 581 kilometres over two double stints, without any problems. This was Vettel’s first racetrack experience of an LMDh car, after driving a virtual version in the simulator to familiarise himself with the complex systems onboard the car, plus time on Porsche’s in-house test track at the manufacturer’s HQ in Weissach, Germany.
The former Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin F1 driver’s extensive experience with hybrid machinery no doubt helped learn how the 9763’s hybrid system works. Also present at the test were Porsche’s six FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar drivers – Laurens Vanthoor, Kevin Estre and Andre Lotterer from the #5 Porsche 963, and Fred Makowiecki, Matt Campbell and Michael Christensen from the sister #6. In addition, Porsche works driver and DTM 2023 champion, Thomas Preining, also drove the car.
“Of course, I also keep an eye on other motorsport disciplines and know many drivers who are active in the WEC and Le Mans,” said Vettel.
“At some point, my curiosity was so great that I had the idea of trying it out myself. Porsche gave me the opportunity to test a current hypercar with the 963,” says Sebastian Vettel. “After the seat adjustment, the simulator session and the roll-out in Weissach, I already had a good feeling. Driving the Porsche 963 on the track here in Aragon – that was definitely fun.
“I first had to get used to everything and find my rhythm. The driving experience is different simply because of the roof over your head, as well as dealing with the higher weight and the tyres. The Porsche works drivers were very helpful and explained to me what was special and what I needed to get used to. That made it easy for me.”
Jonathan Diuguid, Porsche Penske Motorsport’s managing director, said, “Aragon is one of the few places in Europe where we can run around the clock and gives us an opportunity to run 36 hours straight in preparation for Le Mans. The quite long back straight that gives us the top speed of more than 300 km/h we see on the Circuit des 24 Heures.”
“Having Sebastian Vettel here is a unique opportunity for the team. He is a four time Formula 1 World Champion. He has massive experience with hybrid systems and high performance racing cars. Having his fresh unique perspective on where the car is and gives feedback on our systems and performances is a unique opportunity. We are happy to have him here. He came out of the car with a smile which is all good.”
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