German Formula 1 driver Nico Hülkenberg will spearhead the challenge of a third Porsche 919 Hybrid at Le Mans in 2015. The highly rated 27-year-old German will be the first active F1 driver since 2009 to compete in the famous endurance event. Before entering the race in June, Hulkenberg will campaign the 919 in the six-hour event at Spa. The 919 won’t be Hülkenberg’s first experience with a Porsche Hybrid race car; in 2010 he tested the 991 GT3-R Hybrid at the Nürburgring.
‘Porsche and Le Mans – this combination probably attracts every race driver,’ said Hülkenberg. ‘I have been a Porsche fan for a long time and have been watching their return to the LMP1 class closely. The desire grew to drive that car at Le Mans. I am very pleased the 2015 Formula One calendar allows for it, and I am grateful to my Sahara Force India Formula One Team’s generosity to let me go for it. Now it’s up to me to work hard to satisfy both commitments.’
News of the third 919 Hybrid broke in late November, and is a further indication of Porsche’s commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship. The car won’t compete in a full season of WEC racing, however, and its entry at Spa in May will act as a dress rehearsal to Le Mans. Britain’s Nick Tandy is rumoured to be in contention to join Hülkenberg in the seat, with Porsche suggesting that whoever is chosen will come from its pool of GT drivers.