Abu Dhabi Proton Racing claimed its first victory of the FIA WEC season Saturday in Mexico City on what would become a banner day for Porsche. The #88 navigated changing weather and an unusual level of traffic due to the relatively short track length at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and came home first in the GTE-AM class, taking the first win of the 2016 season for a GT-class Porsche. Capping the WEC’s first visit to Mexico City, the 919 Hybrid also took overall victory. The trio of Patrick Long, Khaled Al Qubaisi and David Heinemeier Hansson drove a flawless race, coping with the tight confines of the track and bouts of rain throughout. Notably, Al Qubaisi took his first career WEC race win.
Patrick said, “The big challenge at this race was to find the perfect strategy. Our 911 RSR was fast and reliable for all track conditions over the distance. That made the difference today. I’m very proud of my teammates. Khaled and David drove an immaculate race and they didn’t make a single error. We’ve known all along that we’re a strong trio and, no matter what happens around us, we can win. I’m thrilled for them and the entire team about this win. Ironically I think we are the only car out there that the two guys who have the Silver and Bronze ratings actually have a real job. They are ultimately the reason why we won today because if you look at the average stint pace of the three guys, that was the difference.”
Next up for Long is a return to the Pirelli World Challenge, September 16-18 at Sonoma Raceway. The FIA WEC is in action that same weekend at COTA outside Austin, TX, but Long’s focus is on extending his PWC championship lead with three races left to run.
