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The Drum
PFAFF’S NEW GT3 R RACER: “THE AERODYNAMICS OF THE CAR ARE MUCH MORE EXTREME”
24.11.2022
Weeks after being crowned IMSA GTD Pro champions, Pfaff Motorsports has taken delivery of its contender for the 2023 season – and once again there’s a Porsche badge on the bonnet. The team welcomed the 911 GT3 R fresh from Weissach, where it will now get the famous Pfaff plaid livery and hit the track for testing before the season starts in earnest early next year. We caught up with general manager of the team, Steve Bortolotti, to find out more about Pfaff’s plans for this new car.
You’ve taken delivery of your new Porsche 911 GTD car – what are some of its stand-out features?
The aerodynamics of the car are much more extreme, and I believe there is a tonne of beauty in the simplicity of the interior as well. Additionally, seeing the car in the air with the wheels off is a thing of beauty as well.
Is the car ready to race out of the box or will Pfaff make adjustments to it?
We will have to add items such as the IMSA scrutineering kit, our radio, telemetry, and a few other minor things. That said, Porsche is an incredible company that has spent many months developing the 992 variant of the car, and many decades developing the 911, so we feel it’s best to try it the way it is delivered first. From there, we will analyse the data, and decide where we feel we can make incremental improvements.
Have you tested it yet – how did you find it if so?
We will be on track on December 6 & 7. We’re looking forward to seeing it in action.
Will the car get another fetching plaid/Motul livery?
Absolutely, the plaid livery has become part of our identity. I believe our fans will love the new livery, and without giving too much away it will be similar except it’ll be even meaner looking!
Pfaff is the team to beat in the 911. What is it about this car that works so well for your team?
The Pfaff name has been synonymous with Porsche for many decades, and through our efforts on the track as well as via our Pfaff Tuning division, we feel we have a great handle on what you need to do in order to extract the maximum in terms of lap time.
How important is the Motul partnership in your continued success?
The Motul partnership has been incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder to see it continuing into 2023 and beyond. Using Motul 300V has been an eye-opener for many Porsche teams, as word spread quickly with regards to how perfect our engines looked when being torn down, and the power increase is undeniable. I believe you’d be hard pressed to find a GT3 R anywhere in North America not using Motul 300V. Additionally, our drivers love the feel of RBF700, and won’t use any other brake fluid.
What is it about Motul’s products that help you not just finish the race but win, too?
From a braking standpoint, RBF700 allows our drivers to have a consistent rock-hard pedal feel all throughout a race, which is imperative when competition is as tight as it is in GTD Pro. While Motul 300V needs no introduction, we love the ability to have increased protection of vital engine components, but also to see a measurable increase in horsepower. There is no better feeling for a racing team than having the confidence of knowing your car is truly operating at its maximum potential, but also being protected. Because in order to finish first, first you must finish!
