Timo Bernhard reconnects Porsche with its La Carrera Panamericana heritage

Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard returns to Mexico for the 75th La Carrera Panamericana, driving a 911 GT3 with Touring Package to celebrate the race that shaped the brand’s legend.

Timo Bernhard once again proved that Porsche’s history isn’t confined to the museum. In October 2025, he returned to Mexico to take part in the 75th anniversary of La Carrera Panamericana, one of the most emblematic events in motorsport history. Behind the wheel of a 911 GT3 with Touring Package, and joined by Mexican co-driver Patrice Spitalier, Bernhard wasn’t chasing lap times — his goal was to revive the spirit of the race that helped define Porsche’s early legacy.

First held in 1950, La Carrera Panamericana quickly became one of the most demanding road races in the world, spanning over 3,000 kilometers across Mexico. Porsche made its mark in 1954, when Hans Herrmann finished third overall in a 550 Spyder, and Herbert Linge was honored by the Mexican government for his technical contributions. Those achievements shaped the brand’s identity, giving rise to names like Carrera and Panamera.

Seventy-five years later, the race has evolved into a historic rally, tracing routes through Oaxaca, Puebla, and Nuevo León. In 2025, it gathered competitors from fifteen countries, merging past and present in a celebration of endurance and passion.

For Bernhard, this return held personal meaning. His connection to Mexico dates back to his 2016 and 2017 victories in the 6 Hours of Mexico with the Porsche 919 Hybrid, triumphs that deepened his bond with fans known for their unmatched enthusiasm. “It’s not about competition this time,” Bernhard noted, “but about showing Porsche’s legacy and history to those watching.”

His participation echoed the same determination that once drove the brand’s pioneers — linking the legendary 550 Spyder of the 1950s to today’s GT cars that continue Porsche’s story of precision and endurance. La Carrera Panamericana remains more than a race; it is a living testament to the brand’s spirit, kept alive by those who carry its legacy forward — on the road and beyond.