Rutronik Racing has confirmed the driver line-up for its Porsche 911 GT3-R entry in this season's Fanatec GT Endurance Cup.
Though 2023 will mark the Wilferdingen squad's maiden assault on the full championship, it has assembled a crew that could be a serious contender at the top of the standings.
Factory driver Thomas Preining is among the fastest competitors over a single lap and has already won races in a variety of international series. He will be joined by Dennis Olsen, a Porsche affiliated driver who also comes with an impressive resumé. Of particular note, the Norwegian won the 2019 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour on his way to securing the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli drivers' title.
The trio is completed by rising star Laurin Heinrich, who established his reputation by winning last season's Porsche Carrera Cup Germany crown. The 21-year-old is also an ace sim racer and could prove very useful to Rutronik Racing in this season's Fanatec Esports GT Pro Series.
“I am very happy and proud to be able to officially announce this program today," commented team principal Fabian Plentz. "The tree has been planted and now it is up to everyone involved to harvest the fruits.
"The entire team is motivated down to their fingertips and can hardly wait for the start of the season. At this point, many thanks to all partners who are accompanying us on this new journey.”
"Sporting director Klaus Graf added: “With our driver line-up for the GT World Endurance Championship, we at Rutronik Racing are very well positioned for the very strong competition in the Pro category. Dennis and Thomas are permanent fixtures in the Porsche driver squad. With Laurin we have a highly talented young man as the perfect match.”
Rutronik Racing will be on-track at the official Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS test days, which take place next week at Circuit Paul Ricard (7-8 March). The Endurance Cup campaign launches at Monza on 21-23 April, followed by trips to Circuit Paul Ricard (2–4 June), the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa (29 June–2 July), the Nürburgring (28–30 July) and Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya (29 September–1 October).