It is by now well known that Porsche won the prestigious Le Mans 24-Hour race in 2016, the company’s 18th such victory in this classic French endurance race. To put this achievement in perspective, Audi have won the title thirteen times and Ferrari nine times.
Just as they did in 2015, Gruppe C Motorsport Publishers has compiled the story of Porsche’s latest win at Le Mans in the most comprehensive manner. Having attended the Le Mans race a number of times, it has become evident just how much goes on in the week prior to the race itself, and this includes scrutineering, multiple press conferences, interviews, practice and qualifying. Compiling all of these activities into one publication for the reader results in an all-in-one book that is packed with info, stories, statistics, results, photos, and much more.
Opening the book, one finds a graphic showing all eighteen Le Mans winning Porsches from 1970 to 2016, together with top line details and drivers names. This year’s Foreword is by none other than Jacky Ickx, and this is followed by the section on the 2016 team’s preparation at the pre-season Paul Ricard Prologue. A detailed explanation of all the technical specs of the Porsche 919 Hybrid race car with driver profiles is included, and the same goes for the 911 RSR GTE Pro and drivers. Because of Porsche’s close association with its customer teams, the #77 Dempsey Proton Racing car, #78 KCMG, #86 Gulf Racing UK, #88 Abu Dhabi Proton Racing as well as the #89 Proton Competition cars are also covered. There are details about the Le Mans circuit, the pre-race Test Day, before the book launches into the events that lead up to the race day itself.
Additional sections include Porsche’s technology partners, the famous Driver’s Parade through the city of Le Mans, Warm-up, dealing with the media, and much more. The authors and photographers have gone behind the scenes during the Le Mans week to catch the drivers having physio and working out during the race itself, to help maintain focus. Then of course there is a healthy chunk of the book devoted to the race itself, where the joy, pain, anguish and atmosphere of the race is captured through the lens and in words. The quality of the photography in the book is exceptional, covering the teams, drivers, management and families, and has all been captured by the photographers.
The 2016 race will be remembered for the dramatic last lap incident where the #5 Toyota was left stranded just over the line on its last lap. As the #2 Porsche swept past on its final tour of the circuit, fans, media and teams were left aghast as to the events unfolding before them, and when it was realised that the Porsche was in fact now the lead car, emotion swept through the Toyota and Porsche pit garages. This incident is well covered in the book because it was such a memorable end to a hard-fought 24-hour race. At the back of the book is a well-presented chapter on the facts, statistics and details of the 2016 race.
Porsche Victory 2016 is the work of two well-known motorsport figures, Dutchman René de Boer and the German Tim Upietz, with numerous contributing photographers. The book is a good quality, impressive piece of work, and essential reading for any supporter of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer. It would make an ideal Christmas present or for any self-respecting Porsche enthusiast, this is a must-have!
Key Information
Title: Porsche Victory 2016
Authors: René de Boer & Tim Upietz
Foreword: Jacky Ickx
Publisher: Gruppe C Motorsport Verlag
Dimensions: 235 x 315mm, hardcover
ISBN: 978-3-928540-85-8
Pages: 192 pages
Photos: 440 full-colour images
Text: English, French and German
Price: €40.00
Written by: Glen Smale
Images by: Various photographers
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