Porsche Penske Motorsport Dominates Opening Round of 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship in Doha

Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor from Porsche Penske Motorsport #06, Porsche 963, dominated the first round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship in Doha, Qatar. The Peugeot 9X8 #93 also emerged as a surprising contender for the lead. However, the Peugeot #94 faced misfortunes and struggled to regain ground after a round by Di Resta. The race saw intense battles throughout the field, with drivers like Frederic Makowiecki and Callum Ilott chasing the leaders. Earl Bamber from Cadillac Racing defended his position against Antonio Fuoco in the Ferrari 499P #50. With sunset, track conditions changed and tires endured significant strain. The Isotta Fraschini #11 team retired early from the race, completing only 157 laps out of the planned 335. The lead difference fluctuated throughout the seventh hour, with Vanthoor maintaining his position ahead of Muller in the Peugeot #93. Robert Kubica secured the fourth place in the highest-placed Ferrari 499P, followed by Jenson Button in the JOTA #38. Valentino Rossi made his WEC debut in the WRT BMW M4 #46, aiming for a podium finish. The battle for the lead in the LMGT3 class intensified, with the Porsche Manthey #92 facing pressure from competitors like the Aston Martin Heart of Racing and the TF Sport Corvette Z06. Rossi returned to the BMW M4 #46 in great form, hoping to secure his first WEC podium. Currently, the Porsche Manthey PureRacing #92 leads the class, followed by #27 and the BMW M4 #46.