Porsche storms to maiden WEC Hypercar win in Qatar

Porsche Penske Motorsport stormed on Saturday in Qatar to its maiden victory with the Porsche 963 in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC.

At the season opener in Losail, works drivers Kévin Estre, André Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor crossed the finish line first at the wheel of the #6 car.

However, a late pitstop by Estre just ten laps from the checkered flag due to a missing number panel on the left-hand side of the winning Porsche threw the car’s triumph momentarily into jeopardy.

Up until then and since the middle of the second hour, it had been clear sailing for the works entry. But it all ended with a widespread triple celebration in the Porsche camp, with the #12 Hertz Team Jota 963 finishing runner-up while Porsche Penske’s second entry completed the manufacturer’s clean sweep podium.

"We worked extremely hard and were rewarded in the best possible way. This success is difficult to put into words," commented Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport.

"Everyone involved did an immaculate job. The team and the drivers gave a commanding performance. Congratulations as well to the entire team at home in Weissach. Nobody could have expected a triple success for Porsche.”