The 2014 Le Mans 24 Hour race is approaching and in order to make sure the cars run reliably, and fast, the teams spend hours pounding around test tracks. These photos show the Porsche 919 Hybrid testing at Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France.
Over the course of two days Porsche 919 Hybrids have completed 2,200 miles, with the Porsche setting the fastest lap of the 3.6 mile circuit in 1 minute 41.289 seconds.
The six drivers between two cars practiced pit stops and tyre changes. Porsche newbie Mark Webber shares car number 20 with Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley whilst Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb are in car 14.
Mark Webber said: “This test here was a big milestone. To enter two cars for the first time was a tremendous amount of hard work for the crew on the operational side. Smooth running was a well-deserved award and a good tonic for the guys after a long week. Every day we run we find more areas to improve, which is very encouraging. The track lay-out at Paul Ricard seems to suit our car very well. I’m curious to find out how we can perform in Silverstone.“
By Matt Hubbard