24h Le Mans
The German manufacturer has picked Manthey Racing to operate its LMGT3 programme in the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship at and its flagship event, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Next season, the new LMGT3 class will replace LMGTE in the FIA WEC and, consequently, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Porsche is joining forces with Manthey Racing to run two latest-generation 911 GT3 Rs. The German manufacturer knows the team well as Manthey prepared and entered cars for Porsche’s LMGTE Pro programme in 2013. Together they picked up a Le Mans win that same year.
The plethora of entries in Hypercar – the top class of endurance – means that numbers will be severely restricted in LMGT3. Each manufacturer will be allocated just two slots on the grid.
“We had huge interest from potential, strong operational teams,” explained Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. “The decision wasn’t easy. However, since grid spots are limited, we had to make this decision. Our choice fell on Manthey for a number of reasons. Besides the fact that it is a subsidiary, several other factors speak in favour of Manthey: the team is very familiar with the Porsche 911 GT3 R from DTM races and major endurance classics, among others. Moreover, Manthey is closely acquainted with the special characteristics of the FIA WEC thanks to many years of factory racing with the Porsche 911 RSR. Last but not least, Porsche’s successful history with the team is an important factor. Together with Manthey, we’ve won the world championship and clinched three class victories at Le Mans. We’re confident that we’ll be strongly represented in the new LMGT3 class next year.”
The outfit founded by Olaf Manthey in 1996 is one of the most successful on the international GT3 scene. For instance, it has won the 24 Hours of Nürburgring a record seven times. Manthey is running two cars in DTM this season. After three races, Thomas Preining leads the driver’s championship.
“I’m proud that we can return to the FIA WEC Endurance Championship as an operational team and thus expand our GT3 programme next year,” said Nicolas Raeder, Manthey Racing GmbH Managing Director. “We’ve already notched up successes in the WEC with Porsche and have a lot of experience and know-how regarding the tracks and procedures. The 2024 season will be exciting and I’m particularly pleased that we’ll be back at Le Mans.”
The team name and driver roster will be announced later.
Porsche’s LMGT3 rivals next season will include Ford who revealed the Mustang GT3 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary in June.
