How Porsche has put extra focus on finding a Le Mans edge off-track

Gaining tenths at pitstops has always been vital, but the greater competition in the Hypercar class at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours means it counts now more than ever. That’s why Porsche has taken the drilling of its pit crew to new levels

No stone has been left unturned as Porsche bids to return to the winner’s circle at the biggest race on the endurance calendar. Three times per week at the Mannheim headquarters of the Porsche Penske Motorsport World Endurance Championship squad, the two pitstop crews – and one spare – gather at a specially created replica of a Le Mans pit stall to practise their craft.

Porsche is looking for one of the marginal gains that cycling guru Sir David Brailsford sought while at the helm of the multiple Tour de France-winning Team Sky squad and before that on the British Olympic team. It is aiming to find one of the tiny percentage points that can all add up to turn a team’s fortunes.

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Author Gary Watkins

Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 33rd as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 80 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.

Gary, who also writes for Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton close to the former workshops of the Cooper Formula 1 team but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.