Porsche to Supply Official Cars for the WEC

Porsche announced its withdrawal from the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2017, but now the marque has confirmed a three-year deal, running from 2018 through 2020, to become the WEC’s official car supplier. And the safety car it’s bringing to the track? A 911 Turbo!

Audi’s R8 had served as the safety car since 2012. When Audi’s contract ended in 2017, Porsche was selected to take over.

Image source: Porsche to supply official cars for WEC and Le Mans; new safety car is the 911 Turbo

Is the Safety Car the Star of the Race?

When I went to watch the WEC at Fuji Speedway last year, I couldn’t help noticing that the safety car seemed to attract more attention than any of the race cars. The race itself was unusual: dense fog caused by poor weather led to one red-flag stoppage, followed by three restarts behind the safety car. With the safety car seeing so much more action than usual, perhaps it was no surprise that it stood out.

Image source: 2017 WEC World Endurance Championship, Round 7: Fuji 6 Hours—Race

I was watching from the lounge, and every time the race was interrupted, a group of people next to me who looked like motorsports journalists would laugh and say:

“Honestly, the R8 is the star of this WEC race. Audi’s getting one heck of an advertisement!”

In fact, WEC CEO Gérard Neveu has said that he considers the safety car “part of the show.”

Will the Panamera Be the Medical Car?

When Porsche announced last year that it was leaving the WEC, plenty of headlines declared “Porsche fans are devastated” and “Shockwaves through the industry.” But now that Porsche is becoming the WEC’s official car supplier, I imagine plenty of fans have found a new reason to tune in.

Alongside the two safety cars unveiled this time, Porsche will reportedly supply the series with 16 support vehicles in total, including a medical car.
At last year’s WEC, the medical car was a Panamera, and I got so excited that I took loads of photos (see below).

My husband said, “You’re the only person taking pictures of the medical car. What did you even come here for? lol” I wonder if Porsche will use a Panamera again this time. As a fan, I’m really looking forward to finding out.