Former F1 driver Felipe Nasse says driving the new-generation IMSA GTP prototype reminds him of when he was racing turbo-hybrid F1 cars.
Felipe Nasse, who won the IMSA sportscar championship in 2018 and 2021 with an Action Express Cadillac, raced for Sauber in F1 between 2015 and 2016 with a best result of 5th on his Grand Prix debut in Australia. left.
Felipe Nasse, 30, signed with Porsche’s factory sports car team at the end of 2021 and won the GTD Pro class at the 24 Hours of Daytona last year driving Puff Motorsport’s 911 GT3R to the new hypercar vehicle. I’ve been testing a Porsche 963 since the moment it was born.
Since rolling out in Weissach, Felipe Nasse has added mileage on both American and European tracks.
“The addition of the hybrid system reminds us of our days in Formula 1. We drivers have to see and do a lot on the steering wheel,” he told Autosport.
“I can’t wait to see the cars race together. It’s a super cool machine that’s wider and longer than before!”
“To be there from day one and to see a 963 come to life before it even hits the track is a unique feeling.
Felipe Nasse, driving the #7 Porsche 963 alongside Matt Campbell at this year’s IMSA, explained that the introduction of a common hybrid system has changed the driving dynamics of the prototype cars compared to the previous Daytona Prototype category. .
“It feels different to the DPi with a hybrid in the car. There are definitely some driving differences in terms of style and new tires,” he added.
“When you press the brake pedal, the e-motor also helps slow the car down. It’s not just a mechanical system, but a hybrid system combined.”
“When you hit the brakes, you can expect immediate braking power. The car looks good and drives well.”
Including power regenerated during braking helps extend the length of braking, which puts more strain on tire and fuel management. Felipe Nasse points out that the extra weight that the battery and MGU bring is also a factor.
“It has a lot more power than the DPi, but the only drawback is the weight. is much higher than before
“The longer the stint, the longer the drive. You won’t drive flat out for 35-40 minutes like you did on the DPi. Here you have to take care of the car, tires and fuel for 50-60 minutes. It’s a nice addition of time and I think the drivers will feel it physically too!”
“Racing at IMSA is one of the most fun things I have ever done. will create prime time sports car racing, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Category: F1 / Porsche / Felipe Nasse / IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship
