Porsche goes for motorsport glory

Victories at Le Mans and in Formula E are just two of Porsche’s motorsport goals for the 2023 season

In the wake of a failed bid to take part in Formula One in an alliance with Red Bull, Porsche is entering the 2023 motorsport season with ambitious goals and an amplified factory commitment as it searches for glory elsewhere on the track. Porsche announced its 2023 programme at its annual Night of Champions in Weissach, an event that sees Porsche racers from around the world gather together in celebration of their achievements.

Driving in the tyre tracks of the successful 919 Hybrid, two 963 prototypes will enter endurance racing’s new hybrid LMDh category, competing in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the North American IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (IMSA). Following an 11-month test and development programme that’s seen the roster of talented works drivers cover a total of 29,714 kilometres (18,463 miles), the Porsche Penske Motorsport entries are aiming for overall victories at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring this year.

In addition, Porsche has already entered a new Formula E era with its 99X Electric third generation (Gen3), a new car for the electric racing series developed in Weissach. It’s making its debut in January’s Mexico City E-Prix – the opening round of the championship’s ninth season. The new Gen3 Formula E cars are the fastest, lightest, most powerful and most efficient electric yet. The Porsche version produces 350kW (476 PS), which is 100kW more than its predecessor. With it Porsche aims to claim podium places, win races and clinch the overall title in 2023.

Porsche wouldn’t be Porsche without its GT cars, and alongside its works commitments and in the absence of a 911 RSR, Porsche will provide many customer teams with the 992-generation 911 GT3 R in 2023 to race on GT racing stages around the world. Works drivers will be in support as the cars race in championships such as IMSA, DTM and at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. Not to be forgotten comes a new sim racing factory squad. The Porsche Coanda Esports Racing Team consists of established eSports experts Josh Rogers, Mack Bakkum, Mitchell DeJong and Tommy Østgaard. All will compete for Porsche digital glory in 2023.