Campbell gets breakthrough WEC success

Australia’s Matt Campbell has finally stood on the top step of an FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar podium.

Campbell scored his breakthrough in the Lone Star Le Mans race at Circuit of the Americas where he had to overcome wet conditions alongside Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor.

The Porsche Penske Motorsport #6 963 emerged 8s clear of the #50 Ferrari steered by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen.

Wet weather saw the race get off to a slow start, disrupted by Safety Cars and red flags as the #83 and #51 Ferraris led early with Vanthoor in third.

Campbell then put in a strong stint before the defining moment was made by Estre when he nailed a slow restart by Alessandro Pier Guidi to hit the lead the Porsche would not let go.

Having taken three wins in the LMGTE Am class in 2018-19, this success is a massive breakthrough for Campbell.

He stepped up to the leading Hypercar class in 2024 and has stood on the podium five times from 11 starts, but never found the top step.

Being a star in IMSA, it was something driving Campbell and the 30-year-old from Warwick was overjoyed.

It feels good and it’s about time. It feels fantastic,” he said. 

“We have had quite a few podiums overall and been on the podium at Le Mans this year as well.

“It was obviously a very difficult race and really tough to keep it on track at times, that’s for sure.

“We kept it pointing the right way and the guys did a fantastic job on the strategy as well. 

“Hats off to the team.”

Penske Racing President Jonathan Diuguid said the joy of victory is magnified given it has come out of the blue, especially after an early setback.

I guess they say rain is a great equaliser, and it put us to the front I think,” he said. 

“Laurens (Christensen) and Julien (Andlauer) did an amazing opening stint of the race and drove the car up front and basically stayed there all day. 

“The #5 car had a little bit of contact which put them back down the field, but Matt and Kevin did an awesome job and really took care of the tyres and put us in victory lane. 

“It wasn’t expected, which probably makes it a little bit more sweet, but really excited for the team to get a win here in 2025 and looking forward to Fuji.”

In LMGT3, Yasser Shahin also represented Australia with speed.

He crossed the line fourth in the Team WRT BMW, but a post-race penalty for an incident with a rival dropped him to ninth.

WEC returns with the 6 Hours of Fuji on September 28.

Photo Clement LUCK/DPPI/WEC

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