Porsche repeats last year’s success

Stuttgart. For the second time in succession the Manthey Racing team won the 24 hour race on the Nürburgring. With a one-lap advantage the Porsche works drivers Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Marc Lieb together with Marcel Tiemann beat more than 200 competitors with their new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. The success at the 35th edition of the long distance classic marks the eighth win for a Porsche in front of 210,000 spectators. Ranking third behind Zakspeed Racing’s Dodge Viper came a 911 GT3 RSR run by Land Motorsport.

Right from the start the four Manthey Racing drivers set the pace at the front after starting from pole. Despite the most challenging weather conditions with heat, rain and fog, Bernhard, Dumas, Lieb and Tiemann put in an impeccable drive. The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, developed and built in Weissach, also finished its first outing at the Nürburgring 24 hour race without any technical problems.

“With this clear victory the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR again confirmed its potential,” said a pleased head of racing Hartmut Kristen. “A huge compliment to the Manthey Racing team who did a great job. The four drivers turned fast laps at exactly the right time and were cautious when the situation warranted it. These are the attributes of an excellent long distance pilot. The Nürburgring means a lot to Porsche. Thanks to all the Porsche teams who once again flew our flag.”

Team principal Olaf Manthey could hardly believe his fortune: “First I have to wait a quarter of a century to win what is for me the most important race in the world and now we win for the second consecutive time from pole position. For my wife Renate and I this was a particularly wonderful present - we have our silver wedding anniversary this weekend.” On Saturday the pair celebrated 25 years of marriage in the paddock.

Kudos to : Motorsport.com