Porsche grabbed all the headlines after dominating the Prologue test at Circuit Paul Ricard last month. The 2015 spec Porsche 919 Hybrid topped the times in each of the five sessions and was an impressive 1.838s quicker than that of the competition (the #1 Toyota). Neel Jani’s time in the #18 car was also 4.069s faster than the best time set at the 2014 Prologue!
But Porsche and its drivers are experienced and professional enough to know that testing and a full-blooded racing environment are two very different things. Driver in the #17 Porsche 919 Hybrid, Timo Bernhard, spoke to us about the test and his hopes and ambitions for a very important 2015 season.
“The Prologue testing was positive. But of course when you come to a test like this with the competitors in the next pit you do not show everything and in fact you do not know what they are running too,” said Bernhard.
“The car is more agile for sure and reacts better for the driver now,” continued the German. “Also some of the small things have really helped like driver ergonomics in the cockpit. All these things and the knowledge from last year have combined to make a better package for 2015.”
Bernhard also believes that with a year of racing in the WEC behind the Porsche Team, they are in a naturally stronger position than 12 months ago.
“We know it will be tough this season but we are much more prepared in terms of experience for this year,” continued the German. “We know all the circuits, we know the strategies and different variables we have to face on track and we obviously also know the competition more now. The fights we will have will, I am sure, be very enjoyable in a sporting way. I think the fans can look ahead to a very cool season in the WEC this year.”
Photo: PORSCHE TEAM DRIVERS IN THE NO.17 PORSCHE 919 HYBRID (L-R) MARK WEBBER, TIMO BERNHARD, BRENDON HARTLEY.
