BAHRAIN: Jota’s Porsche 963 LMDh, piloted by Will Stevens, Yifei Ye, and Antonio Felix da Costa, secured a commendable fourth position at the Bahrain 8 Hours.
Despite a setback due to a drive-through penalty, Team Principal Sam Hignett remained resolute, emphasizing the significance of this achievement.
Hignett underscored the relative newness of Jota’s Porsche, which entered the 2023 season at Spa in late April, making the Bahrain event only its fifth start.
“If you’d asked me back then that we’d be fighting with Ferrari for a podium and finishing only nine-tenths behind after eight hours of racing, I would have taken that,” Hignett remarked, expressing his satisfaction with the team’s performance.
He further highlighted the contrast in resources, stating, “We’re the boys from the farmyard racing against the might of Maranello on maybe a tenth of its budget,” a testament to the team’s relentless spirit.
During the race, Porsche executed a series of remarkable overtakes on Ferrari, showcasing its competitive edge. Although Antonio Felix da Costa faced a drive-through penalty for an unsafe rejoin, Hignett defended his driver’s efforts, noting the challenging visibility within the car.
The final laps saw Stevens make a spirited charge to narrow the gap, ultimately finishing a mere 0.962 seconds behind the third-place contender. Hignett disclosed that the team grappled with braking issues but chose to push forward, displaying their unwavering commitment to the competition.
In the face of adversity, Jota’s Porsche proved its mettle, outperforming expectations and standing as a testament to the team’s indomitable spirit. Their remarkable feat against formidable opponents leaves a lasting impression on the racing world, setting the stage for even greater triumphs in the future.
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