HubAuto Racing will field a full factory driver roster for a single Pro class entry at the 2024 24 Hours of Spa for the historic 100th anniversary running of the event.
Porsche drivers Kevin Estre, Patrick Pilet and Laurens Vanthoor will combine aboard the team’s Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3R.
The Asian-based team’s last appearance at the 24 Hours of Spa was in 2021 with the Mercedes-AMG GT3.
Current World Endurance Championship leaders Estre and Vanthoor are enjoying a strong start to 2024 in their Porsche Hypercar programme, winning in Qatar and taking second-place finishes at both Imola and Spa.
The duo also has extensive experience at the Belgian enduro, having both taken victory there for Porsche. Frenchman Estre took the top spot in 2019, while Vanthoor secured the win at his home race one year later.
They will be joined by two-time Le Mans class podium finisher Patrick Pilet. The Frenchman picked up a win at GT World Challenge Asia in Buriram last weekend, and has also tasted champagne at the 24 Hours of Spa, taking second in 2019.
The twice-around-the-clock event is always a special moment on the GT3 calendar, and will have extra meaning in 2024 as the centenary running of the race. Taking place for the 76th time.
Porsche has claimed victory eight times, the second most of any manufacturer.
Kévin Estre: “I’m very much looking forward to competing in 24 Hours of Spa again with HubAuto Racing and can’t wait to get out on track. I’m confident that we will have a good car and with a strong team behind us, I believe we can fight at the front of the field.”
Patrick Pilet: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to drive for HubAuto Racing and especially alongside Laurens and Kévin. We’ve known each other for a long time but never had the chance to all drive together in the same car, so it will be a brilliant experience. It’s one of my favorite races of the season but we know how challenging it can be. We’re ready to fight for a great result.”
Laurens Vanthoor: “It’s always one of the highlights of the year and for me personally it’s a local race as well so I can’t wait for it! Having won back in 2020, it would be so special to do that again. We have a very talented driver line-up and I think when you bring this together with a good team and car, we have a shot at winning it.”
Morris Chen, Team Owner and Principal of HubAuto Racing: “We’re looking forward to participating in 24 Hours of Spa, especially with the excellent Porsche driver line-up. This trio have incredible synergy and combine well with our crew, making us very capable contenders. As a team, we are determined put in a strong performance at this historic event.”
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: “We’re really excited to see HubAuto Racing taking on the 2024 24 Hours of Spa with Porsche. The driver line-up of Kévin, Laurens and Patrick is incredibly strong and we know the team have what it takes to give them a car capable of victory. The race is a tough one and can throw up surprises, but I can’t wait to see this crew take to the track and hopefully fighting at the front!”
