Vettel enjoys ‘fun’ Porsche test

Sebastian Vettel completed more than 350 miles on his maiden circuit test aboard a sportscar last week. The four-time Formula 1 world champion put in two double stints at Motorland Aragon at the wheel of a Penske-run factory Porsche 963 LMDH.

The tryout, officially to sate Vettel’s curiosity for sportscar racing, came at the start of a 36-hour Le Mans 24

Hours test at the Spanish venue for the Porsche Penske Motorsport World Endurance Championship squad. Vettel put in a total of 118 laps (361 miles) over the course of his run.

Vettel, who retired from F1 at the end of 2022, described his time in the 963 as “definitely fun”. “I first had to get used to everything and find my rhythm,” he said. “The driving experience is different simply because of the roof over your head, as well as dealing with the higher weight and the tyres. The Porsche works drivers made it easy for me.”

PPM managing director Jonathan Diuguid pointed out the value of having someone of Vettel’s experience in the car. “Having his fresh unique perspective on where the car is and feedback on our systems and performances is a unique opportunity,” he explained. “We are happy to have him here. He came out of the car with a smile, which is all good.”

The 963 completed over 4000 miles at the test with a total of eight drivers. The six WEC regulars were joined by fellow Porsche factory driver and reigning DTM champion Thomas Preining, plus Vettel.

There has been no further comment from Porsche on where the test for Vettel might lead. PPM still has two vacant seats in the additional 963 it will field at the Le Mans 24 Hours in June.