Porsche 911, Winner of GT2 Le Mans Series

With just few days before the German manufacturer launched its Porsche 911 GT3 RS at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the 911 won the GT2 Drivers’ title in the 2009 Le Mans Series Championship. Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz celebrated the first championship title win for Porsche this year.

“Emotionally, the race felt like a roller coaster,“ said Marc Lieb, “but now we are all totally over the moon about the title. We had the best overall package this season with the 911 GT3 RSR and the Michelin tires, which we underlined with three pole positions and three wins from five races. Our success is largely due to our team's absolutely perfect pit stops.“

Lietz was restrained at the start and initially found himself sitting in sixth. After two long pit stops it was decided to leave the car to race as it was, as changing the ignition coil would have cost too much time. “But everyone in the team said we'll fight to the finish and do everything to make the most of our chances.“

For Marc Lieb, 29, this marks his third GT2 title in the Le Mans Series after 2005 and 2006. His team-mate Richard Lietz, 25 years old, has been a Porsche works driver since 2007, but has competed in the 911 for the last six years.

“The first win for our team was again within reach. But like on the Algarve and the Nürburgring others denied us the fruit of our efforts,“ complained works pilot Patrick Pilet. “Still, we are happy with third as another podium result this year and of course we are pleased that our Porsche colleagues have won the championship.“