Schaeffler and Veltins join Porsche LPM1 challenge

10 February 2014 | Posted in Sponsorship, Motorsport, Global | By David Cushnan

Porsche has unveiled Schaeffler Group and Veltin as official partners of its new Le Mans prototype team, which the German manufacturer has formed to compete in this year's FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The team, which will have former Formula One driver Mark Webber at the wheel of one of its cars, has also confirmed agreements with mobile telecoms company A123 Systems and expanded deals with long-term partners ExxonMobil and Michelin.

Schaeffler Group, which supplies a range of automotive technologies, and Veltins, a brewery, will both be designated as official partners of the team.

• Porsche Supercup to remain on Formula One undercard

Fritz Enzinger, Porsche's vice president of LMP1, said: “These partners are featured owing to their strong identification with the Porsche brand – be it due to long-standing collaboration, thanks to an extensive technical exchange or both.

"Naturally, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking place in June, represents not merely the greatest challenge in terms of racing but constitutes the highlight of the season in terms of marketing as well. At this event and in seven more World Championship races, we want to present ourselves together with our partners as a competitive team.”

Porsche, which will compete against champions Audi and Toyota, in endurance racing's top class this season will make its LMP1 debut at Silverstone in April, at the first round of the 2014 WEC.