Proton Competition Confirms: No Porsche 963 Entry for 2026 WEC

Text & Images: Rick Kiewiet

Proton Competition has confirmed it will not field a Porsche 963 Hypercar in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship, drawing a definitive end to weeks of intense negotiations and closing the last potential avenue for Porsche to remain present in the top class at Le Mans next year.

The decision comes in the wake of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s withdrawal from the world championship, which left Proton as the only realistic route for the 963 to stay on the WEC grid. Despite extensive efforts involving Porsche, Penske Motorsport, the ACO and LMEM, as well as multiple commercial partners, a viable two-car program could not be assembled in time for the 2026 entry list.

Two-Car Requirement Ends Proton’s Hypercar Project

Under current regulations, a manufacturer must enter two Hypercars full-time in WEC to be eligible for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With Porsche unable to field a factory effort and no exception granted for its IMSA title, the only solution would have been a factory-approved, two-car Proton entry.

Christian and Michael Ried pursued that possibility relentlessly. Talks continued at pace for several weeks — including the final days before the 2026 entry list deadline — but in the end, the resources, guarantees and approvals required for a privateer two-car program could not be aligned.

“We gave it everything, but unfortunately it was not possible to find a solution together with Porsche,” said team owner Christian Ried. “We feel particularly sorry for Porsche fans, who won’t be able to see a 963 on the grid in the FIA WEC or at Le Mans.”

The effort to secure the program was substantial enough that the release of the 2026 WEC entry list was delayed to allow Proton additional time. That final push, however, was unsuccessful.

End of a Three-Year Chapter

Proton debuted the 963 at the 2023 6 Hours of Monza and continued through the 2024 and 2025 seasons as WEC’s only privateer Hypercar outfit. The car — often running in its widely loved retro F.A.T. International livery — became known as a fan favorite and frequent overachiever, occasionally outperforming full factory entries.

Ried extended special thanks to the partners who made the program possible: Ferdi Porsche, F.A.T., Mustang Sampling, and Ken & Brenda Thompson, emphasizing that their support allowed the team to even attempt a continuation into 2026.

No Porsche Presence in Hypercar Next Season

With Proton’s exit confirmed, the 2026 FIA WEC entry list will proceed without a single Porsche Hypercar. It brings an abrupt pause to Porsche’s LMDh presence on the world stage, just three years after the 963’s competitive debut.

The manufacturer will still appear at Le Mans in other categories, but not in the category that has long defined its endurance racing legacy.

Mustang LMGT3 Program Continues

Proton stressed that the decision concerns only the Hypercar project. All other Porsche programs remain under evaluation, and in parallel, the team’s LMGT3 effort with the Ford Mustang GT3 will continue in 2026, ensuring the German outfit maintains a presence in the championship.

Additional Porsche GT programs are also being assessed as Proton shapes what it describes as “the strongest possible lineup” for next season.

Though the Hypercar chapter closes earlier than hoped, Proton emphasized that its broader racing ambitions remain unchanged:

“We’re not slowing down. We keep moving.”

The Porsche 963, however, will not be part of that next step — at least not in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.