Proton’s Porsche 963 Programme Still On Track

Proton Competition’s one-car apiece IMSA GTP/FIA WEC Hypercar programmes with its incoming pair of Porsche 963s, is still well on track. Though, as DSC has previously reported, there is a delay likely until after Le Mans for both campaigns.

The team now looks likely to take delivery of its 963s at the end of April. Unless a significant commercial opportunity emerges, team principal Christian Ried has repeatedly made it clear that the team would prefer to test its valuable new assets rather than rush to the Le Mans 24 Hours and in IMSA, to begin competing midway through the season.

Upon delivery of its 963s, the team looks set to undergo an extensive, multi-venue European test programme, (DSC understands that 8-10 days is planned) before the FIA WEC programme most likely gets underway at Monza. The IMSA programme’s most likely start point is now Road America.

The addition of the Proton cars looks set to bring the IMSA car count up to at least nine, with at least one additional guesting car expected at some races. And for the FIA WEC, the Proton 963 looks set to be the final of the 13 initial full-season cars to enter competition, with the addition of a race-by-race entry for Isotta Fraschini very possible.

DSC further understands that Proton’s WEC GTE Am effort, once the 963 makes its debut, will be reduced to a single car: the #77 Dempsey Proton 911 RSR 19, for the FIA WEC races after Le Mans. Proton will continue to support the Iron Lynx/Iron Dames effort however, there is no change there.

Featured image courtesy of Porsche