This week Porsche Team have completed a three-day test with the 919 hybrid LMP1 car at the Aragon Circuit in Northern Spain. Formula One driver, Nico Hulkenberg, got his first chance to get behind the wheel of the Porsche Prototype. The test was also the last outing for this version of the Porsche 919. The German marque will be building a brand new car for next season.
Alongside Hulkenberg, Porsche drivers Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard also participated in the Spanish test. GT Drivers Chirstensen, Makowiecki and Tandy also took part in the test and with two seats still available in LMP1 with Porsche at Spa and Le Mans in 2015, it would seem that two of those three GT drivers will get the drive. Overall the drivers completed 2,731 kilometers in the three day test.
Team manager Andreas Seidl said in an interview with Porsche: “Apart from occasionally quite strong winds, the test conditions in Aragon were very good. It was important that Nico was able to drive 919 in a timely manner. He has found his way and delivered what we expected of him as a world-class driver very quickly. He fits in very well with our team and Porsche. For the GT drivers it was their second LMP1 test. No doubt, all three have done their job very well. Brendon and Timo have supported all the drivers in Aragon with their knowledge and routine. There were very positive for all test days and a beautiful final use for our first prototype for a superb debut season. Now we focus completely on the 2015 car. ”
Nico Hulkenberg will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for Porsche in 2015 in a third LMP1 hybrid race car. The 2009 GP2 Champion tested on Tuesday and Wednesday and clocked up a total of 155 laps behind the wheel of the hybrid Porsche. In an interview Hulkenberg briefly summarised: “The 919 is great to drive. In the fast corners it has a whole lot of power, and the acceleration out of the slower corners using the electric motor is very impressive. The preparation of the simulator was very realistic, and the night ride I found particularly cool. I look forward to further tests and of course Le Mans. ”
Source – Porsche Press Material