Porsche Team Manthey has switched around its driver pairings in preparation for the Six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. Porsche works drivers Frédéric Makowiecki and Richard Lietz will share duties in the #92 car, while the sister #91 car will be piloted by young talent Sven Müller and Kevin Estre. The six-hour race through the Ardennes marks both Müller’s and Estre’s WEC débuts.
A number of clashes this weekend mean that Porsche has been forced to change up its driver line-up. Regular pilots Michael Christensen and Patrick Pilet otherwise engaged for Porsche in the Tudor United Sportscar Series at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (USA). What’s more, regular Porsche GT drivers Earl Bamber and Nick Tandy are set to partner with Niko Hülkenberg in the third Porsche 919 Hybrid in the LMP1 class.
“Car set-up is absolutely crucial on a circuit as challenging as Spa,” said Marco Ujhasi, project manager for GT works motorsport. “Whoever finds the best balance and manages to keep tyre wear under control will have the decisive advantage. Sven Müller is a young but extraordinarily talented driver. He already integrated well into the team at the Prologue at Paul Ricard. Our regular drivers will be there to support him in his set-up work and help him find his feet around this tough track. Sven also has an extremely experienced racing driver in the form of Kevin Estre to work with.”
Source: Porsche Newsroom
Image source: Walter Schruff (WEC-Magazin)