Porsche brings Formula E champions to Spa for WEC redemption

Porsche adds Formula E drivers Wehrlein and Müller to its WEC lineup for Spa, aiming to rebound after Qatar and Imola setbacks.

At the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship season, Porsche Penske Motorsport returns to Spa-Francorchamps with a clear mission — to reclaim a podium finish and break the streak of underwhelming results. After faltering outings in Qatar and Imola, the German team places its hopes on a refreshed driver lineup and a circuit where success was tasted just a year ago.

Back in 2024, Porsche celebrated a commanding one-two finish on Belgian soil. That performance, combined with the insights gathered during test sessions in early April, fuels confidence within the team. But this time, the factory lineup has been reshuffled: Matt Campbell and Mathieu Jaminet are sidelined due to scheduling conflicts with the IMSA series. Stepping into their places are two high-profile names from the world of Formula E — Pascal Wehrlein and Nico Müller.

For Wehrlein, the race at Spa marks his debut behind the wheel of the Porsche 963 and serves as a crucial step in his preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 2023/24 Formula E champion will join Kévin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor in the No. 6 car. In the sister car No. 5, Swiss driver Müller, known for his DTM successes and endurance racing experience, teams up with Julien Andlauer and Michael Christensen.

According to Vice President of Porsche Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach, bringing in Formula E factory drivers isn’t just a reinforcement — it’s a strategic move ahead of the season’s marquee event. Urs Kuratle, Director of Factory Racing LMDh, adds that Spa plays to the strengths of the Porsche 963, especially following recent resurfacing work. Test data has shown improved grip, and now it’s about converting that into race results.

Spa-Francorchamps is more than just a scenic venue in the Ardennes. It’s the longest track on the calendar, known for its challenging elevation changes, high-speed sequences, and unpredictable weather. For Porsche’s European arm, it feels like a home race — and that gives it added weight.

In the LMGT3 class, Porsche is equally ambitious. After a win in Imola, the German Manthey 1st Phorm team heads to Spa in high spirits. The No. 92 lineup — Richard Lietz, Ryan Hardwick, and Riccardo Pera — looks to build on that momentum. Meanwhile, the Iron Dames — fresh off scoring their first championship points — aim for another solid showing. Their Porsche 911 GT3 R will be piloted by Rahel Frey, Michelle Gatting, and Célia Martin.

The Spa race is more than just a shot at redemption — it’s a full-scale dress rehearsal for Le Mans. With tight competition and new faces in key roles, Porsche faces a demanding yet potentially rewarding challenge. The team is fired up, the circuit is well understood, and fans are eager to see the marque return to form. All of it makes this six-hour contest a litmus test for their ambitions.

Source: porsche.com