Defending champions Porsche struggled at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship opener in Qatar, failing to secure a top-ten qualifying position and facing multiple challenges throughout the race. Julien Andlauer’s team finished tenth, while the #6 entry placed 11th, leading the team to aim for better results at the upcoming 6 Hours of Imola.
Porsche, the defending champions, experienced a frustrating start in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship at the Lusail International Circuit. Unlike their dominant performance from the previous year, neither of the Porsche 963s secured a top-ten qualifying position; Julien Andlauer placed 11th, while Kévin Estre qualified 13th. This marked a significant setback for the team as they began their title defense.
The race presented further challenges for Andlauer and his teammates, Mathieu Jaminet and Michael Christensen. A damaged tire early on forced an unplanned pit stop, dropping them to last in the Hypercar class. Although an early refueling during a safety car period briefly lifted them to third place, subsequent issues with another tire and a rear axle damper pushed their finishing position to a lapped tenth place.
Reflecting on the race, Christensen remarked, “An exhausting, sometimes really difficult race. It was pretty tough on the track; rarely have I had contact with so many cars in such a short space of time. Our Porsche felt very good at times, but in the end, I had to fight with tire and brake wear as well as the energy level.”
The 6 entry, driven by Estre, Laurens Vanthoor, and Matt Campbell, finished 11th, after Vanthoor encountered trouble that required a rear wing replacement. Both teams faced significant challenges, with Porsche Penske Motorsport eager to improve in their next competition at the 6 Hours of Imola in Italy.
Urs Kuratle, Director of Porsche Factory Motorsport LMDh, acknowledged the difficulties faced but noted the team performed well despite the disappointing outcomes. Meanwhile, Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, expressed that while they only earned two championship points, he felt they deserved more based on their efforts and pace during the race.
Porsche’s title defense faced significant hurdles at the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship opener in Qatar, as both cars finished outside of competitive positions. Despite earlier successes in the same circuit, the team struggled with qualifying and race incidents, leaving them with minimal points. As they prepare for the next round in Imola, there is hope for improvement and a return to their championship form.
Original Source: www.fiawec.com
