Low points haul despite strong rookie performance

Fate was not on Proton Competition’s side at the first round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship season. A technical issue cost the team a promising position in the LMGT3 category at the Qatar 1812km. Among the highlights of the season-opener were the performances of the team’s debutant drivers.

The #77 Proton Competition Ford Mustang LMGT3 was one of the stars of the race’s opening stages in the hands of Bernardo Sousa and Ben Tuck, both of whom were making their maiden FIA WEC appearances. 

Bronze driver Sousa drove the opening stint – starting from 16th on the grid – and managed to keep in touch with the leading pack in spite of multiple safety car and full course yellow periods. Ben Tuck then took over the car and made his way past multiple competitors to emerge in the lead in class, a position he held for the best part of an hour.

However, just as Sousa’s driving time was coming to an end, the Ford Mustang LMGT3 came to a standstill on the start-finish straight due to a technical issue and was unable to continue. “Bernardo made a great start, and everything was going really smoothly,” said Ben Tuck. “I really enjoyed my double stint and managed to make some overtakes. I’m just sad for the team, as they did such a brilliant job getting the car ready for the race.”

First-time full-season WEC drivers Stefano Gattuso and Giammarco Levorato also shone in the sister #88 car. Gattuso managed to qualify the Ford Mustang LMGT3 in the top 10 and make it through to the Hyperpole shoot-out at his first attempt, while Levorato put in a steady and consistent performance during the race. With Dennis Olsen performing to his usual high standard, the trio managed to finish in the points with tenth position.

For the #99 Proton Competition Porsche 963, the Qatar 1812km was a tough race. In the first round of a season that features the largest and strongest field ever seen in the top class of the FIA WEC, the #99 had a major challenge on their hands as one of just two privateer entries on the grid.

With overall conditions not in Porsche’s favour in the Middle East, drivers Neel Jani, Nicolás Pino and Nicolás Varrone focused on getting some miles under their belt and bringing the car home. “It was always going to be a difficult race for us,” said Varrone. “In the end we managed to finish, which was the most important thing. I’m happy that we can take this experience forward to the next race.”

Attentions will now turn to Europe for the second round of the FIA WEC season. The 6 Hours of Imola takes place on the weekend of 19/20 April. Before that, Proton Competition is in action in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the 12 Hours of Sebring on the weekend of 15 March.

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All pictures are free for editorial use. Copyright: Proton Competition (Paola Depalmas)