Porsche storms to maiden WEC Hypercar win in Qatar

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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.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.