Vettel completes Porsche Hypercar test at Aragon

Sebastian Vettel joined seven of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship drivers to test their 963 Hypercar in preparation for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The four-times Formula 1 world champion covered 118 laps of the Motorland Aragon circuit in Spain. His two double stints totalled almost two grands prix in distance.

This was Vettel’s first extensive test of the car, which he sampled at Porsche’s base last week. “After the seat adjustment, the simulator session and the roll-out in Weissach, I already had a good feeling,” he said.

“Driving the Porsche 963 on the track here in Aragon, that was definitely fun. I first had to get used to everything and find my rhythm.

“The driving experience is different simply because of the roof over your head, as well as dealing with the higher weight and the tyres.”

Penske Porsche will field a third 963 at Le Mans. Mathieu Jaminet, who did not participate in the test, has already been confirmed as one of its drivers. In addition to Vettel Porsche also gave DTM champion Thomas Preining a chance to test the car.

Joining the two newcomers in the test were the six full-time Penske Porsche drivers: Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen and Frederic Makowiecki, Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

“The Porsche works drivers were very helpful and explained to me what was special and what I needed to get used to,” Vettel added. “That made it easy for me.”

The managing director of Porsche Penske Motorsport, Jonathan Diuguid, said running Vettel was a “unique opportunity” for the team.

“He is a four-times Formula 1 world champion. He has massive experience with hybrid systems and high performance racing cars.

“Having his fresh unique perspective on where the car is and gives feedback on our systems and performances is a unique opportunity. We are happy to have him here. He came out of the car with a smile which is all good.”

Gallery: Vettel tests Porsche 963 at Aragon

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

World Endurance Championship

• Toyota’s Kobayashi keeps his nerve to deny Porsche Penske Imola win
• Ferrari lock out top three grid positions for home round at Imola
• How to watch the Chinese GP, IndyCar at Long Beach and WEC at Imola
• Fifth-placed Cadillac disqualified 26 days after WEC’s season-opening race
• Peugeot abandons wing-less concept behind 9X8 hypercar

Browse all World Endurance Championship articles