The sixth out of eight rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) is going to take place on November 2 on the Shanghai International Circuit. Once again the Porsche Team has to prepare the Porsche 919 Hybrids for an unfamiliar track. Software instead of hardware is the way it works. Computer simulation is what the team uses when adapting the current car’s hybrid strategy and set-up for different circuit profiles. However, for the final set-up work track time in the three free practice sessions in Shanghai is invaluable.

Quotes before the race:
Fritz Enzinger, Vice President LMP1: “Each track is a new challenge for our young team with the Porsche 919 Hybrid. In Fuji we managed the situation very well with an extremely steep learning curve from the first practice laps up to the race. We hope we can do the same in Shanghai, which is a completely different circuit. We are pleased to have this race on the calendar, as China is such an attractive market for Porsche. We want to perform there as well as possible in comparison to our strong competition.”

Drivers car number 20:
Brendon Hartley (24, New Zealand): “I have never raced in Shanghai, but Mark is very positive about the circuit. I didn’t know Fuji either before we got there and I felt quite well prepared from driving it on the simulator. So this will be beneficial this time too. We had a good race in Japan, and I have the feeling we are all working in the right direction. I’m looking forward to the next race and our next steps.“

Timo Bernhard (33, Germany): ”In Shanghai I’ll get to see another track that’s new to me. To prepare myself, I study video material and I drive the simulator in Weissach. However, none of us drivers would ever need more than ten laps to get up to speed on an unfamiliar track. For the 919 this year every track is new. Therefore at the beginning of every race weekend set-up work is time consuming, and we always have to catch up. This is not easy, given how close the competition is in LMP1. Our team does a very good job, but, nevertheless, in 2015 things should become a bit easier.”

Mark Webber (38, Australia): “I know the track in Shanghai very well from my days in Formula One, and it’s a great circuit. It has got a fast first corner with a tight apex before you go downhill into turn two, where it’s crucial to position the car right to set yourself up for the middle sector. My favourite part of the track is turns five and six, which is a nice and flowing section and very fast. The circuit also has two long straights, which will give the driver a bit of a breather and the 919 the chance to stretch its legs. In the braking zone for the hairpin towards the end of the lap are some grandstands, and it will be great for fans to watch some overtaking there.”