In a turbocharged transformation, Porsche Penske Motorsport, the global juggernaut of endurance racing, has turned a former car dealership into a high-octane hub in Mannheim, Germany. This new nerve center is where the magic happens for the FIA WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship operations.
The Mannheim facility, formerly a bustling Porsche Center, sat idly waiting for its next chapter after its closure in 2014. Fast forward to 2020, and the gears started turning again. The Porsche AG board’s green light for the new Porsche 963 Le Mans prototype and the renewed partnership with Penske set the stage for an extreme makeover.
Spanning an impressive 4,500 square meters, this revamped racing haven is the stuff of motorsport dreams. Jonathan Diuguid, the maestro at the helm of Porsche Penske Motorsport, paints a picture of a globe-trotting team operating seamlessly between Mannheim, Weissach, and Mooresville, with their eye firmly on the prize.
A step inside this temple of speed reveals a rich heritage, with treasures like the RS Spyder – a testament to Porsche and Team Penske’s victorious past. After a three-year, multimillion-euro pit stop, the Mannheim masterpiece is ready to take pole position, boasting plush offices, digital conference rooms, and workshops that sparkle.
The facility is a well-oiled machine, with areas dedicated to constructing and tweaking the mighty Porsche 963. But it’s not all about the cars; there’s a gym where the team can flex their muscles and a cafeteria to fuel their racing aspirations.
Jan Lange, the new FIA WEC General Manager at Porsche Penske Motorsport, emphasizes the blend of technical prowess and employee well-being. The cherry on top? A life-sized replica of the Le Mans pit lane, where the team can practice pit stops rain or shine.
As the facility gears up for its final touches, including a high-tech “Battle Room” for race day strategies, Porsche Penske Motorsport is revving up to welcome journalists on April 9th. The event promises insights from Urs Kuratle and Jonathan Diuguid, along with WEC aces André Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor.
From selling cars to chasing championships, Porsche Penske’s Mannheim metamorphosis is a testament to speed, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Buckle up, racing world, the Mannheim marvel is just getting started!
