Clinching the FIA World Endurance Championship manufacturers’ and drivers’ crowns would be a special way for Porsche to bow out of LMP1, according to Earl Bamber.
Confirmation of the LMP1 operation’s future arrived with five races of the season remaining amidst a challenge for both FIA WEC titles.
New Zealander Bamber is currently leading the drivers’ championship alongside Kiwi team-mate Brendon Hartley and German Timo Bernhard in the #2 919 Hybrid.
The 27-year-old was promoted to the FIA WEC LMP1 squad this year as Mark Webber’s replacement having driven for the squad’s GT arm in 2015 and 2016.
The promotion followed back-to-back Carrera Cup Asia titles in 2013 and 2014, a Supercup title, and a maiden Le Mans 24 Hours triumph in the team’s third LMP1 entry in 2015.
Take the short survey.
Saddened by the announcement, Bamber, who helped Porsche to its 19th outright Le Mans 24 Hours triumph this year, is focussed on ensuring the brand sees out its LMP1 campaign on a high.
Bamber, Hartley and Bernhard hold a 30 point lead over the #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid of Anthony Davidson, Sebastien Buemi and Kazuki Nakajima in the standings.
Meanwhile, Porsche has a healthy 39.5 point advantage over Toyota in the manufacturers’ championship.
“It is a real shame that Porsche has stepped away from LMP1, but Formula E is something that is growing and growing,” Bamber told Speedcafe.com.
“I think when the regulations open up it will become more and more interesting.
“We need to win the world championship in the drivers and manufacturers championships in LMP1.
“It would be really special way to sign off by getting the manufacturers championship and to also get the drivers would be special too before the program wraps up.
“For me when you start out as a kid you have the dream of going Formula 1. Outside of F1, LMP1 is the next biggest thing.
“Being involved in such a big race team and the resources and structure that we have, it is similar to a Formula 1 team. It has been a real special thing to achieve that.
“To be able to learn so much from so many great guys and engineers like Jeromy Moore has been fantastic.
“You can just soak up and learn everything. I’m very privileged to drive the car but to learn from so much experience has been a special time in my career.”
Although disappointed to see the LMP1 program come to an end, Bamber will remain a Porsche factory driver next year as part of the operation’s GT program.
Porsche is set to continue its GT presence in the FIA WEC and in America’s IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.
Bamber is yet to learn which series he will contest but is hopeful a renewed focus on GT racing may see the marque contest events such as the Bathurst 12 Hour, Nurburgring 24 Hours and Spa 24 Hours.
“I definitely will be in the GT car, I don’t know what championship yet,” he added.
“While it is dying off with the LMP1 cars, Porsche is still committed and there will be a big GT involvement in the next couple years.
“I hope it opens up more factory supported programs like the Bathurst 12 Hour, Nurburgring 24 Hours and the Spa 24 Hours.
“It is not like Porsche is pulling out of motorsport, they are still committed to high level motor racing.”
The FIA World Endurance Championship continues with the 6 Hours of Mexico from September 1-3.
Discussion about this post