Vettel Tests Porsche 963 Hypercar Post-Australia

Following the Australian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel gears up for extensive Porsche 963 hypercar testing at Motorland Aragón, signaling a new venture.

In the week following the Australian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel will conduct extensive tests driving Porsche’s hypercar at Motorland Aragón, having already completed preparation in simulation and on the manufacturer’s test track.

The Porsche Penske Motorsport team is gearing up for its entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a 36-hour test at the circuit, and Vettel is expected to participate throughout its entirety.

The German driver, a 53-time Grand Prix winner during his F1 career, has already driven the 963 on Porsche’s test track at their research and development center in Weissach, Germany.

Vettel has never driven an Endurance prototype, the premier category of IMSA and WEC endurance races, and is naturally thrilled to have the opportunity to do so.

“I’m looking forward to testing the Porsche 963. I’ve had the chance to familiarize myself with the car during a test at Weissach,” says Vettel.

“I’ve always followed other racing series and my curiosity for endurance events encouraged me to give it a try. Now, I’m excited about the extensive test at Aragon and I’m looking forward to this time behind the wheel. It will certainly require adaptation and getting used to, but everyone on the team is very open and supportive. It will be a new experience for me.”

However, it’s too early to say whether Vettel will actually make a competitive return to motorsport, even though the German has never ruled out this possibility. Porsche will enter three 963s in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, with two having their crews confirmed.

The third car still has two seats available.

“We’ll see what happens in that regard,” says Vettel, without committing.

“For now, there are no further plans for the future beyond this test. We’ll see!”

He will be joined by Porsche factory drivers Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, Frédéric Makowiecki, Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor.

“We are thrilled that Sebastian Vettel is interested in our Porsche 963,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport.

“There was no doubt for us that we would be delighted to support his request to test and to provide him with thorough preparation and enough time to drive our hybrid prototype. There is no doubt we will learn a lot from his valuable feedback. Our 36-hour run with Porsche Penske Motorsport and our factory drivers at Motorland Aragón offers a perfect environment for this.”