Workforce proprietor and two-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Timo Bernhard defined {that a} combination of private Porsche ambassadorial commitments and funds constraints imply it won’t be doable for his squad to proceed fielding the Porsche 911 GT3 R within the German class subsequent yr.
“Discovering the correct steadiness between managing the group and my duties as a Porsche model ambassador has been a terrific problem – each duties require my full focus,” stated Bernhard, who was a part of Porsche’s profitable LMP1 programme.
“On the similar time, my accountability in the direction of the group and the individuals is essential to me.
“As well as, the funds required to fulfill my excessive requirements for the DTM undertaking is presently not obtainable. That’s the reason we now have determined to take this step, which is troublesome for us.”
Workforce 75 will transition to fielding newbie drivers in championships working the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup automobile, whereas additionally selling younger drivers in karting and junior classes.
“We’ll make our know-how and our expertise with the Porsche 911 GT3 R from the DTM obtainable to the newly shaped Porsche Workforce Phantom World Racing within the GT World Problem Asia and help them in phrase and deed,” stated Bernhard.
“We’re reorienting ourselves, however Team75 will stay lively in motorsport. In fact, we may even proceed to comply with the DTM carefully.”
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Martin Raeder, Workforce Manrthey EMA, Timo Bernhard, Workforce principal KÜS Workforce Bernhard
Workforce 75 joined the DTM within the second yr of its GT3 transition in 2022 with a single entry for manufacturing unit Porsche driver Thomas Preining.
It loved a profitable first season within the class, with Preining profitable two races – together with the primary for Porsche within the DTM on the Norisring – and mounting a title problem earlier than ultimately ending fifth within the standings.
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In 2023, Bernhard’s eponymous outfit expanded to 2 Porsche 911 GT3 Rs, however misplaced its star driver Preining to newcomer Manthey EMA.
There have been no victories this yr, however rookies Laurin Heinrich and Ayhancan Guven completed on the rostrum to assist the group end sixth within the standings.
Heinrich twice completed runner-up and claimed pole on the Purple Bull Ring, whereas Guven took third on the Sachsenring.