Proton Closes in on Second Porsche 963 for 2025 – Sportscar365

Proton Competition is close to confirming a second Porsche 963 for next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship, according to team principal Christian Ried, who has given a more than 50 percent chance of doubling the Hypercar effort.

The German team, which currently has 963 solo entries in both the WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, could shift the focus of its top-class prototypes to the world championship after running full seasons in both championships this year.

Ried announced that the WeatherTech Championship program may be reduced to just the Michelin Endurance Cup races, depending on budget and schedule.

“We obviously have to talk about the ELMS calendar and see how many clashes we have,” he told Sportscar365. “Definitely (Michelin) Endurance (Cup) and hopefully a full season.”

When asked if he could get his hands on a second 963 for the WEC, Ried said: “I’m working on it.”

He added: “It’s looking good and it’s becoming clearer. At the moment I’d say 60/40 or 65/35 percent (of it happening).

“Ultimately I want to have a competitive setup, but budget is definitely an issue because it’s quite expensive to run.”

Proton is likely to be the sole customer for Porsche’s LMDh car in next year’s WEC, according to comments from Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach, who indicated that there are currently no advanced discussions with other teams.

Hertz Team JOTA, which is running two privateer Porsche 963s this season, will run Cadillac’s Hypercar factory next year.

Should Proton commit to a second 963 in the WEC, it would theoretically mean there would be one spot left on the Hypercar grid for another privateer or satellite Hypercar effort in the class.

This means that nine factory teams are expected to run two cars, plus the third Ferrari 499P. If we add two Proton Porsches to that, we will have a category with 21 cars.

However, that would only be possible if Isotta Fraschini or Vanwall do not return to the world championship, as both teams would have to field two cars under the new WEC rules for 2025, which would allow a maximum of 22 Hypercar competitors on the starting grid.

Proton to discontinue Fanatec GT Europe Mustang GT3 program

Although Ried is still committed to running two Ford Mustang GT3s in the WEC LMGT3 class, he confirmed that they will not compete in next year’s Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS.

The team was awarded the single-car Pro class entry after Dinamic parted ways with the Detroit manufacturer just before the start of the season.

“This year, especially with the GT World Challenge programme coming in at the last minute, it wasn’t helpful,” said Ried. “Running four championships is tough.

“(This weekend) we have Indy, Monza and Sports Cup, so we have three racing events in the same weekend, it’s tough.”

Ried said they are currently “in discussions” to continue their Ford program in the WeatherTech Championship GTD class.

“We’ve spoken to IMSA and we’ve definitely said we want to bring our (GTD) and the 963,” he said. “We’ll have to see what customers we have and what car we should run.”

Ried could complete WEC season in No. 88 Mustang GT3

The Proton team boss has admitted he could return to the wheel of the team’s No. 88 Mustang GT3 for the WEC season-ending 8 Hours of Bahrain in November, with previous Bronze driver Giorgio Roda out of the race.

Ried replaced Roda at the last minute at the 6 Hours of Sao Paulo last month and drove the car again at Fuji Speedway last weekend after Ben Keating took his seat at the Circuit of The Americas.

“Some things came together and it was a matter of time and the family business,” Ried explained of Roda’s withdrawal from the LMGT3 program. “He needed to be more involved in the business. He wants to focus on LMP2.

“Ultimately I was lucky to get the chance to drive the car, it’s not that bad.

“It’s much better now. Sao Paulo was the first time I drove a front-engined car. It’s different to drive. I had to understand how to control the car to be fast.

“It’s getting better and better. I’m glad I got the chance to do it. But I’m definitely still retired.

“If we can get a driver for Bahrain… I’ve spoken to a few guys. If I can get a driver I’ll be happy. If not, maybe another one, but then it’s definitely over.”

Jamie Klein contributed to this report