German Champions Set for Daytona: Wehrlein and da Costa Ready to Compete

Dec 20, 2024 at 12:00 AM

Porsche's elite drivers are gearing up for the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona, with Formula E champions Pascal Wehrlein and António Félix da Costa making their mark on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. This iconic event marks a significant milestone for both drivers as they transition from electric racing to endurance sports car competition. The race will see eight Porsche vehicles competing across various classes, including four Porsche 963 hybrid prototypes. Wehrlein will drive for JDC-Miller MotorSports, while da Costa competes in an LMP2 class car with Inter Europol Competition.

Pascal Wehrlein's Daytona Debut with Porsche 963

Pascal Wehrlein, the reigning Formula E world champion, is set to make his Daytona debut driving the Porsche 963 hybrid prototype. Partnering with JDC-Miller MotorSports, Wehrlein shares the No. 85 car with Dutch driver Tijmen van der Helm and American Bryce Aron. This marks a new chapter in Wehrlein's career, moving from electric racing to the demanding world of endurance sports cars. Despite recovering from an accident in São Paulo, Wehrlein is eager to prove himself in this new arena.

Wehrlein has already familiarized himself with the Porsche 963 through test drives in Sebring and Daytona. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete at Daytona, noting that the car feels reminiscent of the DTM cars he previously drove. His experience with the 500 kW (680 PS) hybrid prototype has been positive, and he is now focused on preparing for the Roar before the 24, the official test days leading into the race. Wehrlein's participation adds significant prestige to the event, showcasing Porsche's commitment to top-tier motorsport talent.

António Félix da Costa Returns to LMP2 with Inter Europol Competition

António Félix da Costa, Wehrlein's teammate in Formula E, will also be competing at Daytona but in a different class. Da Costa joins Inter Europol Competition in the LMP2 category, driving an Oreca-Gibson car. This seasoned endurance racer is excited to return to Daytona, especially with a team that achieved success in the previous IMSA season. Da Costa's familiarity with endurance racing, having competed multiple times at Le Mans, positions him well for this challenge.

Da Costa's decision to join Inter Europol Competition underscores the team's reputation for excellence in endurance racing. He praised the team's achievements and expressed enthusiasm about working with his new teammates. The Portuguese driver's extensive experience in LMP2, including previous stints with Team Jota, makes him a formidable competitor. As he prepares for the Roar before the 24, da Costa is ready to leverage his expertise to deliver strong performances in both the test sessions and the main event.