Porsche quits LMP1 program at the end of the season

The FIA World Endurance Championship is hit by a huge blow after Porsche announced quit from the series at the end of the season.

The German manufacturer is ready to join the fast-growing Formula E Championship in 2019 and will cease their LMP1 program in order to focus on electric racing. Rumors about Porsche’s withdrawal from LMP1 program circulated for a while and they were finally confirmed by the manufacturer.

“Building up the Le Mans team from scratch was a huge challenge. Over the years, we have developed an incredibly successful and professional team. This will be our basis going forward. I am certain that we will maintain our high level in the Formula E. Confidence is high, and we are excited to get started,“ said Porsche vice-president of LMP1 Fritz Enzinger.

Toyota will remain the only manufacturer in the WEC LMP1 class in 2018 but it is expected that some private teams will join the competition. However, the future of the LMP1 class from 2019 looks uncertain.

Photo: fiawec.com