Tandy and Bamber earn Le Mans and Spa drives with Hulkenberg

Porsche GT ace Nick Tandy and reigning Supercup champion Earl Bamber have both earned Le Mans 24 Hours and Spa 1000Km drives for the German manufacturer, alongside Formula One star Nico Hulkenberg.

Both Tandy and Bamber play leading roles in Porsche’s GT line-up this year, and they will step up to the premier class after starring in pre-season tests in the 919 Hybrid. Both were involved in GT-class clashes, however, at the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, with Bamber involved in the crash that saw both works Porsche 911s collide, while Tandy clashed with Corvette’s Oliver Gavin and BMW’s Bill Auberlen.

“I’m thrilled for Earl and Nick –­ they’ve earned this chance with their impressive performances,” said Porsche Head of Motorsport Frank-Steffen Walliser. “Their rise into the premier class of long distance racing not only confirms the effectiveness of the Porsche youth development concept.

“It also underlines the importance of Porsche’s brand trophy series as a career stepping stone for young race drivers who bring the necessary talent, a great willingness to learn and the critical will to succeed. Porsche opens all doors to those who are really fast.”

Porsche’s other cars retain their previous line-ups of Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber in the No.17, with Romain Dumas, Neel Jani and Marc Lieb in the No.18 entry.

Hulkenberg, Bamber and Tandy will drive the No.19 at Spa and Le Mans.