The European Le Mans Series is back on the gas: Proton Competition kicks off the season in the four-hour race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 18 April. On the Grand Prix course not far from the Catalan metropolis, the successful team from the Swabian town of Ummendorf uses two Porsche 911 RSRs in the GTE class. Proton Competition last caused a stir at the 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida, when it celebrated its first success in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with its partner WeatherTech Racing.

The drivers: The 911 RSR with the starting number 77 is shared by Christian Ried (Schönebürg), Gianmaria Bruni (Italy) and Jaxon Evans (New Zealand). The drivers of the race number 93 are the german-Irish Hollywood star Michael Fassbender ("Inglorious Basterds"), Richard Lietz (Austria) and Felipe Fernandez Laser (Germany).

Voices on the race
Michael Ried, team owner and technical director: "After our successful trip to the USA, we are now looking forward to the start of the season in Europe. We travel to Barcelona well prepared and want to use the official test this week to optimally match our 911 RSR to the demanding route. Of course, we hope that we get off to a good start and that things will be as perfect for us as it was last time in Sebring."

Christian Ried (Porsche 911 RSR #77): "The first race of a new season is always something special. I'm looking forward to being on the road with two guys as fast as Jaxon and Gimmi and I hope that in Barcelona we can get a result that we can build on for the next races. It's nice that Aston Martin is there and that the duel between Porsche and Ferrari will be an exciting three-way fight."

Jaxon Evans (Porsche 911 RSR #77): "For me, a dream comes true. I would like to thank Porsche and Proton Competition for the chance to ride the 911 RSR in this busy championship and gain important experience. I will do everything I can to contribute my part to the success of the team."

Gianmaria Bruni (Porsche 911 RSR #77): "The GTE class is also particularly fiercely competitive in the ELMS. I am looking forward to the start of the season in Barcelona. This is a very challenging route. The competition is fierce. It will therefore be important for us to create the conditions for a good qualifying to be able to fight for victory in the race."

Richard Lietz (Porsche 911 RSR #93): "I am looking forward to seeing Michael and Felipe again. We grew into a strong team last season, we were better on the road from race to race. I am confident that we will continue to finish ahead in the Championship this season. A podium to kick off is my wish result."

Michael Fassbender (Porsche 911 RSR #93): "In my first season in this busy championship, I learned a lot, from the team and from my teammates. I am pleased that we are once again going together again and I hope that we will be able to translate our experience gained in the previous year into a good result at the opening race in Barcelona."

Felipe Fernandez Laser (Porsche 911 RSR #93): "We have made good progress in our first season of race to race together. I hope that the learning curve will continue to point upwards and that at some point this year, when everything goes together, we will be able to race for the first victory with our 911 RSR."

The Circuit
4.655 km long Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is located north of the Catalan metropolis in Montellé. The track with its 16 curves was opened in 1991 and has since been the venue for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Car
In the European Le Mans Series, Proton Competition starts with the Porsche 911 RSR. Its engine, which is installed in front of the rear axle, produces around 375 kW (510 hp), depending on the restriction size. The large rear diffuser in combination with the suspended rear wing ensures aerodynamic efficiency and a high degree of downforce.

Live on TV
The four-hour race in Barcelona starts on Sunday, April 18, at 11 a.m. On www.europeanlemansseries.com, it will be streamed as a free live stream.

The series
In the European Le Mans Series, the classes LMP2, LMP3 and LMGTE are at the start. They each race together in a four-hour race, but are evaluated separately. Proton Competition competes with the Porsche 911 RSR in the LMGTE class against strong competitors of Ferrari and Aston Martin.

European Le Mans Series ELMS, 1st round in Barcelona/Spain