The time-honored Joest Porsche Racing Team and Porsche AG bring two Open Sports Prototypes, prepared conforming to Le Mans LMP1 regulations, to the Sarthe in 1998. Porsche AG and Joest Racing worked closely together in designing the racecars, which are officially entered by Porsche AG.

Joest Racing is one of the most successful Le Mans teams. Reinhold Joest's team have four overall victories to their credit, winning back-to-back races the past two years (1996-97) and in 1984-85. Interestingly, in each case, the same car accomplished the back-to-back wins two years running. Joest Racing began competing with Porsche race cars as early as 1962, and in 1990 represented the Porsche works team. Team boss Reinhold Joest himself was a Porsche works pilot from 1971 to 1982.

Porsche LMP1-98 Open Sports Prototype
Technical Specifications

Engine: 3.2-liter twin-turbo similar to the 911 GT1-98 engine, with power output limited by 33.2 mm restrictors to approximately 530 hp (390 kW) at 7200 rpm. Maximum torque is ca. 630 Nm at 5000 rpm.

Transmission: 6-speed sequential gearbox designed by Porsche.

Suspension: Double-wishbones with pushrods all-round. Carbon fiber brake discs and pads.

Body: Carbon-fiber bodywork and monocoque. Weight ca. 885 kilograms (1947 Lbs.). Wheel base 2790 mm, 18" wheels, maximum tire width 16".

Tank volume: 80-liters.