Earl Bamber made his 24 Hours début in 2015. This was also the first time his teammate Nick Tandy took the wheel of a prototype in the legendary French marathon. Partnered by Formula One driver Nico Hülkenberg, they won the race in the #19 Porsche 919 Hybrid. In 2017, Bamber scored his second Le Mans victory, this time with Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard. This year, Bamber and Tandy have joined forces once again, sharing the wheel of the #93 Porsche 911 RSR with Frenchman Patrick Pilet who banked the fastest lap time in the LMGTE Pro class on Test Day for the 86th 24 Hours of Le Mans.
What does the Porsche 911 represent for you?
Nick Tandy: For me, the 911 is synonymous with history and success. When it came out in 1963, it was very different from the others. Continuing the legacy of this car makes me very proud of being a Porsche driver.
Earl Bamber: The 911 is an incredible car. I raced with it in the Porsche Cup and it is a milestone in my career. With the design, the noise, this car is pure emotion. You always smile when you are driving a Porsche.
Which would be the most important win at Le Mans? Your outright win in the 919 Hybrid (LMP1) or an LMGTE Pro class win with the 911 RSR?
Nick Tandy: I think the first time is always the most special, and the first win is very important whatever the category. This year, the target is different compared to an overall win, but equally as difficult.
Earl Bamber: My two overall wins are equally important to me and I will treasure an LMGTE Pro win completely equally, especially this year, because the battle in the LMGTE Pro category will be fantastic and it will be very difficult to win this year. I can’t wait to be on the race track with the world’s best competitors in GT racing.
Special liveries have been designed for the #91 and #92 Porsche 911 RSRs. Which one of the two would you have liked to drive?
Nick Tandy: For me, my favourite is the Porsche-coloured car I am driving this year at Le Mans.
Earl Bamber: I would drive the #91. It is just beautiful with this blend of blue, gold, red and white.
Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TEST DAY, SUNDAY 3 JUNE 2018. Earl Bamber has two wins to his name in three appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He is also the reigning World Endurance Drivers’ Championship title holder.