Porsche works drivers Jorg Bergmeister (Germany) and Patrick Long (USA) will tackle the 1,000-kilometer race in Zhuhai, China, on Nov. 7 with the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid. This marks the first event in China for the innovative sports car from Weissach, which features two electric motors at the front axle each developing 60 kilowatts to supplement the 480 horsepower combustion rear engine.
The race on the Zhuhai International Circuit, in which the 911 GT3 R Hybrid is not eligible for points, is the third and final round of the ACO's new Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, after Silverstone's Le Mans Series round and Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.
"It's a fantastic conclusion to the season to drive this car in China after the race debut on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife," says Joerg Bergmeister. The Porsche factory pilot was part of the driver crew at the wheel of the 911 GT3 R Hybrid when it demonstrated the potential of its leading edge technology at the 24 hour race on the Eifel circuit and was on course to victory until shortly before the flag.
In the American Le Mans Series, Joerg Bergmeister and Patrick Long are on the brink of successfully defending their GT class title with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. With a 22-point lead in the drivers championship, but only a single point lead for Porsche in the manufacturers points, the pair will drive the Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR at Petit Le Mans on Oct. 2.