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| Le Mans 24 Hours Race Notes: Porsche |
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PORSCHE RS SPYDER LMP2 TEAMS FINISH ONE-TWO AT LE MANS 24 HOUR CLASSIC IN TWICE-
AROUND-THE CLOCK DEBUT; TWO LEADING PORSCHE 911 GT3 RSRs FALL BACK IN ACCIDENT
LE MANS, France - June 15, 2008 - The 24 Hours of Le Mans premiere for the Porsche RS Spyder could
not have gone better as, at the world's toughest long distance race, the sports prototype from Weissach
celebrated a one-two finish in the LMP2 class.
After a trouble free run without a single technical problem, Jos Verstappen, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Peter
van Merksteijn (all from The Netherlands) crossed the finish line first. The trio from the Van Merksteijn
Motorsport team held an eight lap advantage at the finish over the second-placed RS Spyder of John
Nielsen, Casper Elgaard (both Denmark) and Porsche works and Penske Racing driver Sascha Maassen
(Germany). Starting the sports car marathon from first and second on the grid, the two teams controlled the
race with their 476 hp RS Spyder right from the start.
In contrast, the three teams with the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in the production-based GT2 category
experienced bad luck. After qualifying on the pole and running first and second at the beginning of the race,
an accident and technical trouble robbed all hopes of repeating last year's class victory.
"I'm thrilled that the expectations of our customer teams, Van Merksteijn Motorsport and Essex, have been
fulfilled. The RS Spyder has proven that it's not just fast but also particularly reliable in its first 24 hour race.
The professional work of the teams was also an important key to success," said Hartmut Kristen, Head of
Porsche Motorsport.
"The performance of the GT3 RSR was also excellent but unfortunately they lost their chance through an
unlucky accident with two of the cars early on in the race."
"This success is something very special in my racing career," said an ecstatic ex -Formula 1 pilot
Jos Verstappen.
"Winning at Le Mans means you go down in racing history. For me it was also important as I'd never
competed in a 24-hour race before. The car was unbelievably reliable and fantastic to drive. It was great fun
right from the first to the last minute."
His team mate, Peter van Merksteijn, who also owns the Dutch team, was ecstatic.
"This is crazy," said the 52-year-old Dutch businessman. "Every team member has worked untiringly. Above
all, Jos drove like a young stud. My job was actually only to bring the RS Spyder back to the pits without
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