Briefing

Specs
Porsche 2009 911 GT3 RSR Specs (PDF)
Key Factors at Sebring Team Perspective
  • Porsche reliability - bumpy course, tough on cars and drivers
  • Car speed
  • Team performance: prep and pit work
  • Managing the field
  • GT2: New competition
  • Driver lineup
Chief strategist Thomas Blam discussed what factors into the outcome at Sebring "It boils down to a few things: speed of the cars, their reliability, and the team's performance in preparation and the pits. We have two new cars: so far, we're very pleased with their performance. Reliability has historically been a strong point for Porsche: this year's cars are continuing in that tradition. There's no place you need it more than at Sebring - the course is so bumpy and physically really tough on the cars and the drivers. Just hitting one of the many track bumps here the wrong way and you can sustain some serious damage to a car. In terms of speed, it's always hard to tell how things will stack up until you're actually at the race. Sebring is the first time we'll run against the Ferraris this year, and the first time we'll really see what the BMWs can do. We're cautiously optimistic that we'll be competitive in what will certainly be a tough, and large, GT2 field. In terms of pit work, it can make or break you here. One of the main areas we'll focus on next week is making sure we are back at race pace for our pit stops and pit work."

Team manager and strategist of the No. 44 Porsche Eric Ingraham added, "You also have the factor of the field overall. This year's lineup is impressive: the number and speed of the P1 and P2 entries will create a lot of traffic for the GT2 cars to manage. The Corvettes will be back in GT1, and GT2 itself has fifteen entries already."

In terms of the GT2 field, Blam added, "We'll be looking to see how Ferrari is using their tires this year:- two years ago they had a clear speed advantage and were able to double stint their tires. In 2008, the Porsche pace was such that they couldn't double stint, so we'll have to see what they can do this year. BMW is really still an unknown. Historically they have been good on tire wear with the balance of the car. In terms of Porsche, of course Farnbacher is a very strong competitor and with Vici now on Michelins and Falken in the mix we'll see some serious racing. And Panoz, Aston Martin, Corvette, Ford and Dodge are also in the mix again."

"In the No. 44, they showed last year how competitive that car can be and having Seth, Darren and Johannes together will be a powerful team. And of course, Joerg and Patrick have demonstrated how seamlessly they work together. It's great to have Marc back with us too -he can drop right in and perform immediately at the highest level. The drivers are still adjusting to the new cars and the new tires and Marc hasn't had any time in the car yet, so we'll spend some of our race week prep getting them completely acclimated."

Craig Watkins, chief engineer, discussed technical changes from 2008 to 2009, "Porsche has made some important changes to the cars for 2009. Aerodynamically, there is much more downforce in the front, which should help to resolve the understeer which dogged us in 2008. Among other things, the front diffusers are different, the nose has been reconfigured, and the hood is modified. Also, to meet the stricter 2009 regulations on maximum car cockpit temperature, the car has been redesigned to support an air conditioning system. We also expect the engine cooling to be significantly improved: more heat will be transferred out of the system, something that's required given the new air conditioning which will require power and heat transfer."

"Other regulation changes require that the Porsches run 20 kilograms heavier than 2008, and we have a minimum 15 mm gurney (wicker) requirement and a 5 mm higher ride height than 08. Our partner Michelin has new tires for us this year. With more downforce on the front, we expect more tire wear on the rear tires. Over the last two tests, we've looked at all of the variables and changes with the goal to find the point where everything works optimally together - from what spring rates the car wants to the perfect ride height."