Manthey Porsche Teams Ready for WEC 2024
Manthey, EMA Motorsport, and Pure Rxcing Gear Up for Endurance Challenge
As the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) beckons, the paddock buzzes with anticipation. Among the teams gearing up for the gruelling series is the formidable alliance of Manthey, EMA Motorsport, and Pure Rxcing, each bringing a rich tapestry of racing heritage and expertise. Together, they will field two Porsche 911 GT3 R cars, aiming to make their mark in the debut season of the new GT3 class.
Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH, expressed his enthusiasm: "After the years we spent together with Porsche in the FIA WEC, we are delighted to have found two strong partners in EMA Motorsport and Pure Rxcing to return to the series. Our goal is clear: to build on our successes and compete for victories and the championship."
The driver line-ups are a blend of experience and youthful vigour. The #91 car entered by Manthey EMA will be driven by Richard Lietz (Austria), Morris Schuring (Netherlands), and Yasser Shahin (Australia). Meanwhile, Manthey PureRxcing's #92 car will see Klaus Bachler (Austria), Alex Malykhin (Great Britain), and Joel Sturm (Germany) at the helm.
Lietz, a seasoned campaigner with Manthey and Porsche, shared his excitement: "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to compete in the WEC with Manthey EMA. I think GT3 racing will get an even bigger boost through the WEC and the Le Mans 24 Hours, and it's great to be a part of it."
Morris Schuring, embarking on his first WEC stint, is equally enthused, "This will be my first participation in the WEC, let alone in endurance racing. I expect this to be an amazing season for GT racing - we have a brand-new class with nine different manufacturers, which will make for some amazing racing."
Yasser Shahin reflected on his inclusion, "I'm looking forward to contesting a WEC season. I've always enjoyed the endurance format and believe it offers the greatest challenge and opportunity for a driver. To compete in it with Manthey and Porsche is truly a privilege and a race driver's dream."
Alistair MacDonald, CEO of The Bend Motorsport Park, underlined the significance of this partnership, "The Bend Motorsport Park, in pursuit of global exposure, is proud to be the primary brand on the livery of car number 91 for Manthey EMA's upcoming campaign in the WEC."
On the #92 side, driver Klaus Bachler noted, "I'm really looking forward to the 2024 WEC season and am very proud to be driving for Manthey PureRxcing. We have a great package and a very good driver line-up."
Alex Malykhin added, "We are expecting exciting battles for the title in the WEC season. Therefore, it is important to give our best at every race and especially at Le Mans to score as many championship points as possible."
Joel Sturm, focused on the championship, stated, "The expectations of the whole team and myself are high. We all want to win the championship."
Edgar Kochanovskij, Company Owner of Pure Rxcing, echoed these sentiments, "So, our expectations for this year's WEC season are naturally very high. The goal is clear: to give it our all every time we are on track and to win the championship."
With 18 cars from nine manufacturers on the starting grid, the 2024 WEC season is poised to be a battleground of skill, strategy, and endurance. The first race, the Qatar 1812 KM, is scheduled for March 2, following the official prologue on February 24 and 25. The season promises to unfold as a thrilling spectacle, with teams and drivers burning rubber and aspirations on some of the world's most challenging circuits.