WINNING STREAK

Late last year, Porsche announced its return to the top-flight of the World Endurance Championship from 2023, with the aim of adding to its record-breaking tally of 19 Le Mans victories. The process of developing the new LMDh racecar is in its early stages, so it’s the perfect opportunity to look back at the gestation and success of its predecessor, the 919.

Countless talented engineers, team members and drivers contributed to its domination from 2015 to 2017, but Le Mans winner Timo Bernhard was invested in the process from its inception and drove the 919 to victory in the final stint of its final ever race. No-one is better placed to give us the full cradle-to-grave story.

But at one point it looked like Timo might not get his chance, as Porsche’s Le Mans hiatus throughout the 2000s dragged into the 2010s. ‘From the very beginning of my racing career, the overall goal was always winning Le Mans