Overview
- Multiple meetings in Bahrain discussed a proposal for Roger Penske to partner with Proton Competition to field two Porsche 963s, a move that would satisfy WEC requirements and reopen Penske’s path to a Le Mans entry via IMSA.
- Any entry would need to run under a Porsche manufacturer licence per WEC Article 3.1.5, score manufacturers’ points, and secure approval from Porsche’s board despite the company’s recent decision to end its factory Hypercar programme.
- Entry applications are due by midday CET on November 27, with logistical hurdles including IMSA races around Le Mans week viewed as challenging but manageable.
- Porsche Penske Motorsport ended its WEC effort after 2025, a move attributed to financial pressures—including a reported $1.1bn Q3 loss—and frustration with Balance of Performance, while Porsche says IMSA and customer racing continue.
- Rival teams called Porsche’s exit a setback for the championship, and Manthey says it expects an LMGT3 place for 2026 pending FIA/ACO approval as organizers weigh grid size expansion plans.