Continuing the team’s commitment to a full Pirelli World Challenge season, Wright Motorsports has confirmed that reigning FIA WEC LMP1 champion, Marc Lieb will be joining Patrick Long in the No. 58 Porsche 911 GT3 R during next week’s SprintX double-header at Lime Rock Park.
The event falls as a conflict for season regular, Jörg Bergmeister who is set to compete in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Bergmeister will return to the Wright Motorsports-backed Porsche for the remaining SprintX rounds at Utah Motorsports Campus and Circuit of the Americas.
“I’m fortunate that Wright Motorsports is getting the opportunity to expand our resume by working with another world class driver. I want to thank Porsche for the continued support that they give to their customers when you run the Porsche product,” said Wright Motorsports Principal, John Wright.
While it marks his PWC debut, Lieb needs no introduction to most sports car racing fans. Most recently recognized for his 2016 FIA WEC championship and overall 24 Hours of Le Mans win in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, the German will step in with an outstanding amount of knowledge and Porsche racing experience.
“I am really looking forward to joining Patrick and Wright Motorsports at Lime Rock. The Pirelli World Challenge is a tough championship and the new SprintX format is very interesting,” said Lieb.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve driven a race less than six hours, so for me coming from the long races it will be a pure sprint and to do it at a challenging little track like Lime Rock, it will be even better. I expect it to be close racing and a lot of fun!”
Beyond his prototype racing success, Lieb carries heaps of GT racing experience under the Porsche marque, including a ream of triumph with Long. The two hit all of their marks during this year’s Bathurst 12 Hours, when they brought a Porsche 911 GT3 R to a class win and second place overall finish.
“It’s a seamless change welcoming Marc on board for Lime Rock,” added Long. “He knows the circuit and the car, so we are very lucky to have him while Jörg is out on Nürburgring 24 duty.”
“Marc is one of the first people I met when I arrived at Porsche,” Long continued. “He has been a great mentor and friend of mine. We drove together this year at Bathurst, had a great time and achieved a fantastic result.”
The Pirelli World Challenge field will take on Lime Rock Park May 26-27, but not before this weekend’s double header event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.
