Vettel, the 53-time Method 1 race winner, had beforehand pushed PPM’s simulator in Flacht in Germany earlier than a quick run at Porsche’s fabled Weissach check monitor on 21 March.
In truthful climate circumstances at Aragon in Spain right now, the 36-year-old accomplished 118 laps over 4 stints behind the wheel.
“After all, I additionally keep watch over different motorsport disciplines and know many drivers who’re energetic within the WEC and Le Mans,” stated Vettel. “Sooner or later, my curiosity was so nice that I had the thought of making an attempt it out myself.
“Porsche gave me the chance to check a present hypercar with the 963. After the seat adjustment, the simulator session and the roll-out in Weissach, I already had an excellent feeling.
“Driving the Porsche 963 on the monitor right here in Aragon – that was positively enjoyable. I first needed to get used to all the things and discover my rhythm. The driving expertise is totally different merely due to the roof over your head, in addition to coping with the upper weight and the tyres.
“The Porsche works drivers have been very useful and defined to me what was particular and what I wanted to get used to. That made it straightforward for me.”
Sebastian Vettel, Porsche 963
Picture by: Porsche Motorsport
Vettel, who referred to as time on his F1 profession on the finish of 2022, is understood to have been in preliminary talks with Porsche buyer staff Jota final 12 months over driving one in every of its 963 prototypes within the World Endurance Championship.
And whereas sportscar racing seems to be an choice that piques Vettel’s curiosity, the German pressured he has “no additional plans” as issues stand.
The Porsche Penske Motorsport works staff has gained each the season opener of the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, and this 12 months’s first WEC race in Qatar.
Later this 12 months, Porsche is aiming for its record-extending twentieth general victory on the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Sebastian Vettel, Porsche 963
Picture by: Porsche Motorsport
Talking about his staff’s lengthy distance check, PPM’s managing director Jonathan Diuguid stated: “Aragon is likely one of the few locations in Europe the place we will run across the clock and offers us a possibility to run 36 hours straight in preparation for Le Mans. The fairly lengthy again straight that offers us the highest pace of greater than 300 km/h we see on the Circuit des 24 Heures.
“Having Sebastian Vettel here’s a distinctive alternative for the staff. He’s a four-time Method 1 World Champion. He has huge expertise with hybrid techniques and excessive efficiency racing automobiles.
“Having his contemporary distinctive perspective on the place the automotive is and offers suggestions on our techniques and performances is a singular alternative. We’re completely happy to have him right here.
“He got here out of the automotive with a smile which is all good.”
Vettel was joined within the check by common WEC drivers Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, Frederic Makowiecki, Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer and Laurens Vanthoor – together with reigning DTM champion Thomas Preining.
