Porsche Penske Motorsport has confirmed its driver line-up for the upcoming FIA WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, which includes two key additions.
Nico Müller (above,right), a former Hypercar driver with Peugeot, will share the #5 963 with Michael Christensen and Julien Andlauer. Reigning Formula E champion Pascal Wehrlein (above, left), meanwhile, will race in the #6 with Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor as he prepares to take on the Le Mans 24 Hours for the first time in the brand’s third Hypercar.
Müller and Wehrlein have been called up to race in the third seats previously filled by Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell in Qatar and Imola, respectively. Both will be on IMSA GTP duty at the clashing event at Laguna Seca on May 10th and 11th.
“In preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is obviously first class that I can celebrate my debut in the FIA WEC at Spa-Francorchamps and get to know the way Porsche Penske Motorsport works even earlier – every competitive kilometre with the Porsche 963 counts,” says Wehrlein.
“With Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor, I have two teammates from whom I can learn a lot. I’m really looking forward to competing on such an iconic race track as the Belgian Grand Prix circuit.”
The track time will be useful for Müller also, as he will travel to Le Mans as the team’s official reserve driver.
“I’m super happy to be supporting Porsche Penske Motorsport as the official reserve driver at Le Mans and doing my bit to help achieve the big goal – although of course I hope I won’t be needed there!” adds Müller.
“I’m also looking forward to returning to the WEC and competing in the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps alongside Julien Andlauer and Michael Christensen. After my Sebring stint in the IMSA series and during testing, I will be able to complete more important laps with the Porsche 963 there. This is a great opportunity for which I would like to thank Porsche Penske Motorsport and also my Formula E team, Andretti, for making it possible.”
Both Wehrlein and Müller have recent 963 race experience to draw from with privateer Porsche team JDC-Miller Motorsports. Wehrlein contested the Rolex 24 with the team, while Müller joined the team at Sebring.
Image courtesy of Porsche
