Why Porsche’s final Le Mans driver choice is intriguing

OPINION: Pascal Wehrlein is set for his Le Mans debut in June as the Formula E champion will drive the third factory 963 LMDh - but Gary Watkins wonders if this is actually the right decision from Porsche

Seasoned hands at the Le Mans 24 Hours like me are fond of a historical precedent - and so too, it seems, is Porsche.

It has decided to bring in Pascal Wehrlein from its Formula E squad for the World Endurance Championship blue riband in June and give the reigning FE title winner the chance to win the race on debut with a seat in the third factory 963 LMDh. Debutants, big names and otherwise, have done rather well for the German manufacturer over the years.

In this article

Gary Watkins

WEC

Le Mans

Pascal Wehrlein

Porsche Penske Motorsport

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Author Gary Watkins

Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 33rd as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 80 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.

Gary, who also writes for Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton close to the former workshops of the Cooper Formula 1 team but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.