P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Autosport Top 50 of 2023: #19 Laurens Vanthoor
GT specialist Laurens Vanthoor had the opportunity to compete in the World Endurance Championship with Porsche and Penske. Despite his limited experience in prototype machinery, he consistently outperformed his teammates and was the fastest driver in the factory 963 LMDh over the season. Vanthoor’s standout moment came at Fuji, where he took the lead at the start and held it for four hours, showcasing his racing skills. He believes that a good driver should be able to drive any type of car, dismissing the idea of being labeled as a prototype or GT driver. Vanthoor’s dream has always been to compete in the top class of endurance racing, and he is grateful for the opportunity with Porsche and Penske. He felt comfortable in the 963 prototype from the beginning and was able to quickly understand and maximize its potential. Despite some challenges, Vanthoor maintained a positive mindset and focused on giving his best performance. Overall, leading at Fuji and finishing on the podium were the highlights of his season.
