Heading into the FIA World Endurance Championship season finale at Monza, Richard Lietz is preparing to mark a massive career milestone by contesting his 100th WEC race. The 42-year-old Porsche factory driver joins an elite group, following in the footsteps of veterans like Sebastien Buemi. This weekend, Lietz will pilot the Manthey-run Porsche 911 GT3 R with a clear target in sight: securing what would be his third career world championship title.
Reflecting on the grueling campaign, Lietz emphasized the importance of consistency in the highly competitive GT3 field. "The fact that we still have a shot at the title going into the finale is a very good sign. Three third-place finishes and one victory is okay, as long as you do not score zero points," Lietz explained. He noted that their raw pace has been solid all year, though missed opportunities—particularly a broken tie-rod in the second hour at Le Mans that cost them three laps—hurt their championship aspirations, leaving them 18 points behind championship leaders Corvette, driven by Johnny Edgar.
A monumental technical challenge awaits the team at Monza. Their Porsche will carry an additional 30 kilograms of success ballast following their recent victory in Barcelona, a heavy burden on a track where top speed and engine efficiency dictate lap times. Furthermore, low ambient temperatures and minimal tire degradation could play into the hands of rival manufacturers who typically struggle with tire wear. Lietz, alongside co-drivers Riccardo Pera and Yasser Shahin, must optimize their aerodynamic setup to overcome the weight penalty on the long straights.
Despite the hurdles, Lietz brings extensive track knowledge to the table, having tested extensively at the Italian venue over the years across various GT categories. Looking beyond the current season, the experienced Austrian addressed his future with Porsche, confirming that preliminary talks regarding a contract extension are underway. He is also slated to compete in the Asian Le Mans Series over the winter to stay sharp. "I still have fun in the car. I know there are well-trained youngsters coming up who need a job too, but if I am needed, I am ready to race," Lietz concluded with a smile.
Baca Juga
Simak analisis lengkap jelang balapan ke-100 Richard Lietz di WEC Monza serta peluangnya meraih gelar juara dunia GT3. Baca selengkapnya di sini!
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