Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Proton Competition

Proton Competition is a German auto racing team founded in 1996 by Gerold Ried, now owned by his son Christian Ried, and headquartered in Ummendorf, Baden-Württemberg. Specializing in endurance racing, the team competes in premier international series such as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), European Le Mans Series (ELMS), and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, primarily fielding Porsche vehicles and, since 2024, Ford Mustang GT3 vehicles. Since its inception, Proton Competition has established itself as a prominent force in GT and Hypercar categories, securing class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in GT2 (2010) and GTE Am (2018), along with multiple championships including the GT drivers' title in the WEC (2012), Le Mans Series (2009 and 2010), and European Le Mans Series (2010). The team has also marked recent successes, such as two class wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2023 with an Oreca 07 LMP2 car and a third-place podium in the LMGT3 class at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans during the debut of the Ford Mustang GT3. In 2025, Proton Competition continued its Hypercar program with the Porsche 963 in the WEC, while its Ford Mustang GT3 entries in LMGT3 achieved top-10 finishes in the season finale at the 8 Hours of Bahrain (November 2025) and expanded across multiple series.

Background

Formation and ownership

Proton Competition was founded in 1996 by Gerold Ried in Ummendorf, Germany, establishing it as a dedicated Porsche-focused racing team that built upon his prior amateur racing endeavors from 1994 and 1995, during which he campaigned a Porsche 964 RS with a group of friends. The team's origins were rooted in Ried's passion for motorsport, transitioning from informal competitions to a structured operation centered on high-performance Porsche vehicles. From its inception, Proton Competition emphasized GT racing with Porsche 911 models, rapidly evolving into a professional entity under family stewardship as Gerold Ried took on dual roles as founder and driver. This period marked the team's commitment to building expertise in Porsche machinery, laying the groundwork for sustained collaboration with the manufacturer. Ownership passed to Michael Ried, Gerold's son, in the early 2010s, with Michael assuming leadership as team owner and technical director while prioritizing the enduring Porsche partnership that has defined the team's identity. Christian Ried, another son of the founder, emerged as a pivotal figure as a long-time driver starting in 1999 and later team principal, contributing to the family's hands-on management approach.

Facilities and operations

Proton Competition is headquartered at Fabrikstraße 1 in Ummendorf, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, approximately 130 kilometers southeast of Stuttgart. The team's facilities include dedicated workshops for the preparation and maintenance of Porsche GT and prototype vehicles, reflecting their long-standing partnership with the manufacturer since the late 1990s. These operations have expanded to support Oreca chassis, particularly the Oreca 07 LMP2 prototypes used in the European Le Mans Series from 2018 to 2023, where the team secured multiple championships. More recently, the workshops have incorporated preparation for Ford Performance vehicles, including the Mustang GT3 entered in the FIA World Endurance Championship's LMGT3 class starting in 2024. In-house engineering forms a core component of the team's operations, with a focus on optimizing reliability and performance for endurance racing across GT and prototype categories. This expertise enables the development of customized setups tailored to the demands of long-distance events, emphasizing durability under high-stress conditions. The team employs a dedicated staff of around 18 core personnel, including engineers, mechanics, and support roles, supplemented by additional specialists for race weekends to handle multi-series commitments. Operations are structured to support international participation, with logistics coordinated for events in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ensuring efficient transport of vehicles and equipment across Europe and beyond.

History

Early years (1996–2003)

Proton Competition entered the international motorsport scene in 1996, debuting in the BPR Global GT Series with two Porsche 911 GT2 vehicles, numbered 51 and 69, driven by a lineup including founder Gerold Ried, Peter Erl, Patrick Vuillaume, and Christian Pellieux. The team competed across multiple rounds of the series, achieving modest results that included consistent finishes in the GT2 class, ultimately earning 6 points for each car in the teams' championship standings. This initial campaign established the team's commitment to Porsche machinery, aligning with Gerold Ried's founding principles of loyalty to the brand for long-term development in GT racing. In 1997, Proton Competition transitioned to the inaugural FIA GT Championship, contesting the season with a Porsche 911 GT2 and accumulating 1 point in the GT2 teams' classification, reflecting early challenges in adapting to the competitive landscape dominated by factory efforts. The team also made its first appearance at the 24 Hours of Daytona, where Gerold Ried and co-drivers piloted the Porsche 911 GT2 to a 27th overall finish and 13th in the GTS-3 class after completing 565 laps. These outings underscored the squad's focus on gaining experience in endurance formats while relying on family involvement, with Gerold Ried as the primary driver. From 1998 to 2002, the team persisted in the FIA GT Championship using the Porsche 911 GT2, primarily campaigned by Gerold Ried alongside his son Christian Ried, who joined the driving roster in 1999. This period was marked by consistent participation but limited success, with occasional class finishes hampered by mechanical issues and intense competition, resulting in minimal points accumulation and no podiums. The emphasis remained on honing operational expertise and driver skills within the GT2 category, contesting over 100 events globally during this foundational phase. By 2003, Proton Competition upgraded to the Porsche 996 GT3-RS for the FIA GT Championship's N-GT class, a shift that introduced a more modern, naturally aspirated platform suited to evolving regulations. The team scored its sole point of the season with an 8th-place class finish at Monza, driven by Gerold Ried, Christian Ried, and Marcin Marcinkiewicz. This result, while modest, highlighted the team's ongoing investment in building competitive reliability and experience ahead of future expansions.

GT racing expansion (2004–2009)

In 2004, Proton Competition expanded its presence in the FIA GT Championship by competing in the N-GT class with the Porsche 996 GT3-RS, securing third place in the teams' standings with 45 points. At the season-opening round at Monza, the team's entry driven by Christian Ried and Gerold Ried finished third in the N-GT class after completing 79 laps. This performance marked a step forward in consistency for the squad, building on prior modest results in international GT racing. The following year, Proton Competition shifted to the GT2 class in the FIA GT Championship, where it achieved second place in the teams' standings with 45 points using the Porsche 996 GT3-RS. In 2006, the team rebranded as Team Felbermayr-Proton following the involvement of Horst Felbermayr Sr., adopting a distinctive blue livery on its Porsche 996 GT3-RS entries and finishing fifth in the GT2 teams' standings with 23.5 points. Proton Competition made its debut in the Le Mans Series in 2007, entering three Porsche 997 GT3-RSRs in the GT2 class, with the No. 77 car driven by Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, and Wolf Henzler securing second place in the teams' championship despite no outright victories. At that year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, the team's entries encountered issues leading to retirement. Returning to the event in 2008 as Team Felbermayr-Proton, the No. 77 Porsche 997 GT3-RSR driven by James Davison, Wolf Henzler, and Horst Felbermayr Jr. completed 309 laps to finish fifth in GT2. The 2009 Le Mans Series saw Team Felbermayr-Proton dominate the GT2 category, with the No. 77 Porsche 997 GT3-RSR securing both the teams' and drivers' championships for Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz through consistent podium finishes across the season. This success highlighted the team's growing expertise in endurance GT racing with Porsche customer machinery.

Le Mans Series championships and WEC entry (2010–2012)

In 2010, Proton Competition retained the LMGT2 teams' title in the Le Mans Series, achieving three victories across the five-round season with their Porsche 997 GT3-RSR entries. The team also claimed the LMGT2 teams' championship in the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, a global endurance series incorporating select Le Mans Series, American Le Mans Series, and standalone events, marking their continued dominance in GT racing. These successes built on their prior experience in the series, solidifying Proton's reputation as a leading Porsche customer team in European endurance competition. The pinnacle of the 2010 season came at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Proton Competition secured their maiden class victory in the GT2 category with the #77 Porsche 997 GT3-RSR, driven by factory pilots Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, and Wolf Henzler. The trio's strategic driving and the car's reliability allowed them to outpace rivals over the 24-hour endurance test, contributing to Porsche's 98th class win at the event and highlighting Proton's operational prowess. Key drivers such as Lieb and Lietz, who formed a core alliance with the team, played instrumental roles in these triumphs, often pairing with specialists like Henzler for high-stakes races. Entering 2011, Proton Competition expanded to entries in both GTE Pro and GTE Am classes for the Le Mans Series, finishing third in the GTE Pro teams' standings while maintaining competitive form in the amateur category. At that year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, their #77 GTE Pro Porsche finished fourth in class, with Lieb, Lietz, and Henzler delivering a solid performance amid intense competition, while the #63 GTE Am entry retired due to an accident after completing 199 laps. Drivers including Christian Ried supported the GTE Am efforts, emphasizing the team's versatility across professional and gentleman driver lineups. Proton Competition marked their entry into the newly formed FIA World Endurance Championship in 2012 by fielding two Porsche 997 GT3-RSRs in the GTE Am class, achieving consistent results that culminated in the GT drivers' championship title. The #88 car, driven by combinations including Ried, secured multiple class victories, such as at the season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring, contributing to four wins overall in the eight-round series and demonstrating the team's adaptation to the global format. This debut season underscored Proton's strategic shift toward international endurance racing, with core drivers like Ried ensuring podium contention throughout.

Dempsey Racing partnership (2013–2017)

In 2013, Proton Competition formed an initial collaboration with Patrick Dempsey's Dempsey Del Piero Racing team, entering the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with a Porsche 997 GT3-RSR in the GTE Am class. The #77 car, driven by Patrick Dempsey, Patrick Long, and Joe Foster, achieved a solid 7th place finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the first joint outing for the transatlantic partnership that blended American amateur drivers with Proton's European engineering expertise. The partnership deepened in 2014 and 2015 under the Dempsey-Proton Racing banner, focusing on full-season WEC campaigns in GTE Am with Porsche 911 RSR machinery. The team secured multiple podium finishes, including a class victory at the 2015 6 Hours of Fuji driven by Dempsey, Long, and Marco Seefried, highlighting the effective integration of gentleman drivers like Dempsey alongside professionals. At the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #77 car—piloted by Dempsey, Long, and Seefried—clinched 2nd place in LMGTE-Am after a late-race penalty elevated them from 3rd, completing 331 laps in a display of strategic endurance racing. By 2016, Dempsey-Proton Racing maintained its GTE Am emphasis within the WEC, with Proton's #88 Abu Dhabi-Proton entry—supported by the partnership and featuring Long—securing 3rd place at Le Mans, underscoring continued reliability in the amateur category amid Dempsey's scaled-back driving role due to acting commitments. The collaboration's transatlantic structure facilitated seamless driver rotations and car preparations across continents, enabling participation in both European WEC rounds and select U.S. events while prioritizing amateur development. The era culminated in 2017 with the debut of the updated Porsche 911 RSR for Dempsey-Proton Racing, where the #77 car, driven by Christian Ried, Marvin Dienst, and Matteo Cairoli, finished 4th in GTE Am at Le Mans after 329 laps, serving as Porsche's top customer result in the class. This marked the conclusion of the primary Dempsey tie-up, as the actor shifted focus to team ownership while Proton transitioned to broader programs, leaving a legacy of successful amateur-professional synergy.

European Le Mans Series focus (2018–2023)

Following the conclusion of their partnership with Dempsey Racing, Proton Competition refocused its efforts on the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), emphasizing consistent performance in the LMGTE category with Porsche 911 RSR vehicles while building experience in endurance racing's gentleman driver classes. This period marked a strategic consolidation, leveraging prior Am-class expertise to secure multiple championships and a landmark victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team's operations centered on Ummendorf, Germany, where they maintained a fleet of Porsche machinery, prioritizing reliability and driver development to compete against factory-backed efforts from Ferrari and Aston Martin. In 2018, Proton Competition achieved its first ELMS LMGTE team championship with the #88 Porsche 911 RSR, driven primarily by brothers Giorgio Roda and Gianluca Roda, who combined for key wins at Monza and Silverstone to clinch the title by a narrow margin over Spirit of Race. Complementing this success, the team celebrated a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMGTE Am with the #77 Porsche 911 RSR, where Matt Campbell, Christian Ried, and the 18-year-old debutant Julien Andlauer outlasted rivals amid challenging weather conditions, finishing 11th overall after 347 laps. This Le Mans triumph, the team's first in the category, highlighted their growing prowess in long-distance events and provided momentum for sustained ELMS contention. The 2019 and 2020 seasons saw Proton Competition maintain strong LMGTE form in ELMS, with multiple podiums including a win at the Red Bull Ring in 2019, though they narrowly missed the title amid intense competition from Iron Lynx and Kessel Racing. By 2020, the team secured both the ELMS LMGTE team and drivers' championships with the #77 Porsche 911 RSR, driven by Christian Ried, Michele Beretta, and Alessio Picariello, who tied on points with Kessel Racing but prevailed on countback after consistent finishes, including a victory at the Nürburgring. Picariello's standout performances, including fastest laps at Spa-Francorchamps, underscored the team's driver lineup strength, while the season's shortened format due to the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized strategic pit stops and reliability. Paralleling ELMS efforts, Proton Competition delivered consistent results in the FIA World Endurance Championship's GTE Am class, earning podiums at circuits like Fuji and Bahrain but falling short of the title amid Ferrari dominance. From 2021 onward, Proton Competition transitioned to the updated Porsche 911 RSR-19 for ELMS LMGTE, focusing on multi-car entries to maximize points. Key drivers like Alessio Picariello, Matteo Cairoli, and Julien Andlauer rotated across the #77 and #88 cars, contributing to podiums at Le Castellet and Spa-Francorchamps in 2021, though mechanical issues at Portimão cost a potential title. The 2022 season brought further contention, with Cairoli's pole at Monza and Andlauer's endurance stints helping secure runner-up honors. Culminating in 2023, the team claimed its fourth ELMS LMGTE title with the #16 Porsche 911 RSR, driven by Zacharie Robichon, Alessio Picariello, and Ryan Hardwick, who won at Barcelona and Portimão while amassing five podiums overall. This victory, decided by just four points over Iron Lynx, affirmed Proton's status as an ELMS powerhouse. During this era, the team expanded into the GT World Challenge Europe with Porsche 911 GT3 R entries starting in select rounds from 2022, testing sprint formats and broadening their competitive footprint without diluting ELMS focus.

Hypercar program launch (2024–present)

In 2024, Proton Competition launched its Hypercar program by entering a customer Porsche 963 in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), marking the team's step up to the top tier of endurance racing following years of prototype experience in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The program debuted at the Qatar 1812 km season opener with the #99 car driven by Harry Tincknell, Neel Jani, and Julien Andlauer, where the team adapted to the LMDh regulations governing the hybrid prototype class. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the same driver lineup secured 16th place overall, completing 311 laps and finishing as the third-best privateer Hypercar entry despite early-season reliability challenges that affected consistency across the campaign. Parallel to its WEC efforts, Proton expanded into IMSA's WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the Porsche 963 in the GTP class, achieving multiple top-10 finishes, including sixth overall at the season-ending Petit Le Mans. The team also initiated a GT3 partnership with Ford Performance, fielding the new Mustang GT3 in GTD Pro and GTD classes, which supported a broader multi-series presence. This expansion included three-car entries in LMGT3 at Le Mans and across WEC and ELMS, leveraging the team's operational expertise to manage the increased scale while addressing LMDh-specific hurdles like hybrid system integration and initial mechanical teething issues. Building on this foundation in 2025, Proton continued its single-car Hypercar effort in WEC with the #99 Porsche 963, now piloted by Neel Jani, Nico Pino, and Nicolás Varrone, yielding improved results amid ongoing adaptation to the class's demands. Highlights included 13th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the team completed the race without major incidents, and consistent points-scoring performances that elevated their privateer standing. The season concluded with a 17th overall finish at the 8 Hours of Bahrain. The GT3 program with Ford Mustang entries persisted across WEC, ELMS, and IMSA, maintaining the three-car lineup in key events to balance resources between prototype and GT ambitions.

Racing record

24 Hours of Le Mans results

Proton Competition has competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 1997, accumulating over 28 starts primarily in GT categories before transitioning to Hypercar in 2024. The team has secured two class victories and at least five podium finishes, with notable successes in GT2 and LMGTE Am classes using Porsche machinery. Their entries have evolved from early Porsche 911 GT2 models to modern Porsche 963 Hypercars, reflecting advancements in endurance racing technology and regulations. The team's most prominent achievement came in 2010, when the #77 Porsche 997 GT3-RSR, entered as Team Felbermayr-Proton, won the LMGT2 class. Driven by Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, and Wolf Henzler, the car started 23rd in class and finished 11th overall after completing 361 laps, marking Proton's first Le Mans class victory. This result contributed to their successful season, including championships in the Le Mans Series and Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. In 2018, partnering with Dempsey-Proton Racing, the team claimed victory in the LMGTE Am class with the #77 Porsche 911 RSR. Drivers Patrick Dempsey, Patrick Long, and Julien Andlauer started 10th in class and finished 40th overall, completing 341 laps to secure the win by a margin of 1 minute and 39 seconds. This triumph was the first Le Mans class win for owner Patrick Dempsey and highlighted Proton's expertise in amateur gentleman driver categories.
YearCarClassDriversStart Pos (Class)Finish Pos (Overall/Class)LapsNotes
2010Porsche 997 GT3-RSR #77LMGT2Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, Wolf Henzler23rd11th / 1st361Class win; Team Felbermayr-Proton entry
2018Porsche 911 RSR #77LMGTE AmPatrick Dempsey, Patrick Long, Julien Andlauer10th40th / 1st341Class win; Dempsey-Proton Racing partnership
2024Porsche 963 #99HypercarNeel Jani, Harry Tincknell, Julien Andlauer19th16th / 6th359Debut Hypercar entry; completed race without major issues
2025Porsche 963 #99HypercarNeel Jani, Nico Pino, Nicolás Varrone19th13th / 5th383Improved finish; 4 laps down from winner
Beyond these highlights, Proton Competition has maintained consistent participation, with multiple entries in recent years including LMGT3 Ford Mustangs in 2024 and 2025, often finishing in the top half of their classes. Their overall record includes no overall victories but establishes them as a reliable privateer contender in endurance racing's premier event.

FIA World Endurance Championship results

Proton Competition has maintained a continuous entry in the FIA World Endurance Championship since its launch in 2012, initially focusing on the GTE Am class with Porsche 911 variants before transitioning to the Hypercar class in 2024 with the Porsche 963, while adding an LMGT3 entry with the Ford Mustang GT3 in 2025. The team achieved several GTE Am podiums, including a class second at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, and runner-up in the 2018–19 GTE Am teams' championship. In the Hypercar era, Proton secured multiple top-10 finishes in 2025, marking their best results in the top class to date, alongside a LMGT3 podium. The following table summarizes Proton Competition's WEC participation by season, including classes, cars, representative drivers, points, and final positions where applicable. Early seasons featured limited points due to reliability issues and competitive fields, with full-season entries in GTE Am from 2012 to 2023. Multi-car efforts began in 2024–2025, with #99 in Hypercar and #77/#88 in LMGT3 for 2025. Data reflects teams' Endurance Trophy standings unless noted.
SeasonClass(es)Car(s)Representative Drivers (Key Lineup)PointsPosition(s)Notes
2012GTE Pro, GTE AmPorsche 997 GT3-RSRChristian Ried, Klaus Bachler (GTE Pro #77); Maxime Martin, Richard Lietz (GTE Am #88)0NCInaugural season entry as Felbermayr-Proton; no points scored across 8 rounds.
2013GTE AmPorsche 997 GT3-RSRChristian Ried, Klaus Bachler, Marco Seefried (#77)0NC8 rounds; best finish 16th in class.
2014GTE AmPorsche 911 RSRChristian Ried, Klaus Bachler, Wolf Henzler (#88)0NCDempsey-Proton partnership begins; 8 rounds, best finish 16th.
2015GTE AmPorsche 911 RSRPatrick Long, Michael Hedlund, Lars Krogh (#99)256thPodium at Le Mans (2nd); points from select rounds.
2016GTE AmPorsche 911 RSRPatrick Dempsey, Patrick Long, Marco Seefried (#77)0NC9 rounds; best finish 18th in class.
2017GTE AmPorsche 911 RSRMatteo Cairoli, Mikkel Mac, Alex Riberas (#77)0NC9 rounds; best finish 21st.
2018–19GTE AmPorsche 911 RSR-19Matteo Cairoli, Egidio Perfetti, Riccardo Pera (#77)1102ndRunner-up championship; wins at Le Mans and Spa.
2019–20GTE AmPorsche 911 RSR-19Francesco Castellacci, Sergio Rattaggi, Matteo Cairoli (#77)42.59thCOVID-shortened season (6 rounds); best finish 4th at Sebring.
2021GTE AmPorsche 911 RSR-19Matteo Cairoli, Egidio Perfetti, Riccardo Pera (#77)793rd6 rounds; podiums at Monza and Bahrain.
2022GTE AmPorsche 911 RSR-19Alessio Picariello, Matteo Cairoli, Marvin Klein (#77)0NC6 rounds; best finish 20th; reliability challenges.
2023GTE AmPorsche 911 RSR-19Mikkel Pedersen, Julius Thimm, Sascha Lange (#99)0NC7 rounds; best finish 4th at Le Mans; final GTE Am season.
2024Hypercar, LMGT3Porsche 963; Ford Mustang GT3 (LMGT3)Neel Jani, Julien Andlauer, Harry Tincknell (#99 Hypercar); Ryan Hardwick, Zacharie Robichon, Ben Barker (#77 LMGT3)Hypercar: 47; LMGT3: 18Hypercar: 10th; LMGT3: 12thHypercar debut; best Hypercar finish 5th at Fuji; 7 rounds.
2025Hypercar, LMGT3Porsche 963; Ford Mustang GT3Neel Jani, Nico Pino, Nicolás Varrone (#99 Hypercar); Dennis Olsen, Stefano Gattuso, Giammarco Levorato (#88 LMGT3)Hypercar: 162; LMGT3: [TBD]Hypercar: 8th; LMGT3: [TBD]Top-10s at Interlagos and Bahrain (Hypercar); LMGT3 podium (2nd Imola); 8 rounds, 100th WEC start at Fuji; dual LMGT3 entries (#77 and #88). As of November 2025.

Other endurance series results

Proton Competition has competed in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and its predecessor, the Le Mans Series, since 2007, primarily in GT classes such as LMGT2 (later LMGTE) before transitioning to LMP2 and GT3 entries in recent years. The team achieved notable success with five teams' championships in these series, establishing themselves as one of the most dominant outfits in regional GT endurance racing. Their victories include the 2009 and 2010 LMGT2 teams' titles in the Le Mans Series, followed by LMGTE teams' championships in the ELMS in 2018, 2020, and 2023. Additionally, in 2020, drivers Christian Ried, Marvin Klein, and Klaus Bachler claimed the LMGTE drivers' title.
YearSeriesClassTitle TypeDrivers (if applicable)
2009Le Mans SeriesLMGT2TeamsN/A
2010Le Mans SeriesLMGT2TeamsN/A
2018ELMSLMGTETeamsN/A
2020ELMSLMGTETeamsChristian Ried, Marvin Klein, Klaus Bachler
2020ELMSLMGTEDriversChristian Ried, Marvin Klein, Klaus Bachler
2023ELMSLMGTETeamsZacharie Robichon, Alessio Picariello, Ryan Hardwick
In 2024, Proton Competition expanded into LMP2 through a partnership with Iron Lynx, securing a class victory at the 4 Hours of Mugello with drivers Jonas Ried, Macéo Capietto, and Matteo Cairoli. The 2025 season saw continued competitiveness, including double pole positions at the season finale in Portimão and consistent points finishes across LMP2 Pro-Am and GT3 entries, though no championship was clinched. Proton Competition's involvement in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship began in 2013 through a partnership with Dempsey Racing, focusing on the GTD class with Porsche 911 GT3 R entries and achieving consistent top-10 results in endurance events. From 2024 onward, the team committed to full-season programs, entering the GTP class with the Porsche 963 alongside GTD efforts. Notable performances include a 10th-place finish in GTP at the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona and a sixth-place result at the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, demonstrating reliability in the premier prototype category despite intense competition. Earlier GTD highlights from 2013–2023 featured multiple top-10s at Daytona and Sebring, underscoring the team's endurance prowess in North American series. In the GT World Challenge Europe during the 2020s, Proton Competition fielded GT3-specification Porsches and later the Ford Mustang GT3, marking the latter's European debut in 2024. The team earned select podium finishes, including strong showings such as 10th overall at the 2024 1000 km of Paul Ricard with drivers Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch, and Dennis Olsen. Additional results, such as seventh overall at the 6 Hours of Jeddah, highlighted their adaptability in sprint and endurance formats. Overall, Proton Competition has amassed five ELMS teams' titles while maintaining consistent top-10 contention in IMSA's GTD and GTP classes across more than a decade of entries.

References

  1. [1]
    1996 – 2003: On the global stage - Proton Competition
    Oct 29, 2025 · Proton Competition came into existence in 1996 under the stewardship of team founder Gerold Ried. We took our first steps in international ...
  2. [2]
  3. [3]
    Proton Competition: Home
    Proton Competition is the only racing team in the world able to bridge the gap between single-make sportscar series and the premier category of endurance ...DriversNews
  4. [4]
    Proton Competition Road Racing Team - Ford Performance
    Learn all about Ford Performance's Proton Competition road racing team. View information on the motorsport team owner, the drivers, stats and more.<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    Proton Competition No. 20 - IMSA
    Proton Competition No. 20: MAKE/MODEL: Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) - Team Information: United States - Class Gallery: 2025 Iwsc Protoncompetition No20 1200x800
  6. [6]
    Proton Competition to run the Porsche 963 in FIA WEC and IMSA
    Nov 16, 2022 · Two 24 Hours of Le Mans class wins (GT2 in 2010 and GTE Am in 2018) feature among the team's greatest achievements. Proton Competition also ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  7. [7]
    A New Era For Proton Competition - dailysportscar.com
    Nov 22, 2022 · Proton Competition was founded by Gerold Ried in 1996 (below in the Monza 4 Hours, 1996 BPR – Porsche 911 GT2) and has taken numerous ...
  8. [8]
    Proton Competition – steeped in Porsche race cars - Stuttcars
    Christian Ried first started racing for Proton Competition in 1999 at age 20 years, and his first race was behind the wheel of a 993 GT2 in the Monza FIA GT ...Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
  9. [9]
    Proton Competition is ready for one of the greatest challenges of the ...
    Jan 21, 2025 · Proton Competition's major successes at Daytona were recent accolades: the team celebrated two class victories in 2023 – with its Oreca-07 ...Missing: notable achievements wins
  10. [10]
    Proton Competition and Ford Performance Stand Tall on the Le ...
    Jun 24, 2024 · Proton Competition and Ford Performance Stand Tall on the Le Mans Podium in Mustang GT3 Debut | Middle East | Ford Media Center.Missing: founded | Show results with:founded
  11. [11]
  12. [12]
    Team Profile: Proton Competition - ELMS
    Proton Competition, also known as Team Felbermayr-Proton and, more recently, Dempsey-Proton Racing, was founded in 1996 by Gerold Ried. ... year at Portimão.Missing: history | Show results with:history
  13. [13]
    The 963 marks the beginning of a new era for Proton Competition
    Nov 16, 2022 · Proton Competition was founded in 1996 by Gerold Ried and celebrated numerous victories and titles in various GT championships with Porsche ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Imprint - Proton Competition
    Proton Competition Fahrzeugvermietung GmbH Fabrikstraße 1 D-88444 Ummendorf Represented by: Michael Ried Contact: Phone: +49 7351 3408-6120Missing: facilities | Show results with:facilities
  15. [15]
    Le Mans 24 Hours Archives - Stuttcars
    Proton Competition – steeped in Porsche race cars. Located in the town of Ummendorf, approximately 130km south east of Stuttgart, Proton Competition has been ...
  16. [16]
    Successful tests for Porsche and its customer teams in Qatar
    Feb 27, 2024 · The three identical hybrid prototypes of Hertz Team Jota and Proton Competition were equally convincing during the FIA WEC's so-called Prologue.Missing: workshops staff size
  17. [17]
    Ford Formally Unveils Mustang GT3 at Le Mans as Classic Circuit ...
    Jun 9, 2023 · ... Proton Competition team principal Christian Ried. “The Mustang is a great brand and this is an important step for our team. We look forward ...Missing: staff | Show results with:staff
  18. [18]
    Proton Competition Management Team | Org Chart - RocketReach
    Proton Competition employs 18 employees. The Proton Competition management team includes Nico Pino (Hypercar Driver. World Endurance Championship), Sabina ...Missing: racing facilities size
  19. [19]
    British Empire Trophy 1996 :: dacorsa.com
    ... 1996 BPR Global GT Series ... References. Image representing BPR 1996, Endurance GT · BPR 1996 ... Icon for flag of Federal Republic of Germany Proton Competition.
  20. [20]
    FIA GT Championship - 1997: Point standings - Speedsport Magazine
    1, Dellenbach Motorsport, Germany. 15, 1, Haberthur Racing, Switzerland. 16, 1, Proton Competition, Germany. 17, 1, Seikel Motorsport, Germany. 18, 1, Larbre ...
  21. [21]
    Race Results - Daytona 24 Hours 1997 - Racing Sports Cars
    Proton Competition, 565, 13th, GTS-3. 28th, 97, Dören / Van Sande / Scheer / Neutag, Porsche 911 GT2 Evo, Klaus Scheer, 560, 5th, GTS-1. 29th, 78, Velasquez / ...
  22. [22]
    Gerold Ried (D)'s cars - Photo Gallery - Racing Sports Cars
    Proton Competition (D), Closed bodywork. Rear-engined. Driven by: Peter Erl (D)/Gerold Ried (D)/Andy Bovensiepen (D), Result: did not finish. Grid: 32nd ...
  23. [23]
    2003: Point standings - FIA GT Championship - Speedsport Magazine
    JVG Racing, Germany. 12, 5, Cirtek Motorsport, Great Britain. 13, 4, Alda Motorsport, Poland. 14, 1, Proton Competition, Germany. *) unofficial standings. In ...
  24. [24]
    FIA GT Championship Monza 2003 - Race Results
    Ried / Marcinkiewicz / Ried, Porsche 996 GT3-RS, Proton Competition, 78, 2:40 ... Force One Racing Festina, 50, 1:35:57.233, 180.9200, Transmission, GT, 1:45.8470.
  25. [25]
    FIA GT Championship - 2004: Point standings - Speedsport Magazine
    Team, Nation. 1, 231,5, Freisinger Motorsport 9 wins, Germany. 2, 67, GPC Sport 2 wins, Italy. 3, 45, Proton Competition, Germany. 4, 19,5, Gruppe M Racing ...
  26. [26]
    FIA GT Championship Monza 2004 - Race Results
    Race Results ; 11 · 69, Ried / Ried, Porsche 996 GT3-RS, Proton Competition ; 12 · 7, Erdos / Newton, Saleen S7-R · Ray Mallock Limited ...
  27. [27]
    FIA GT Championship - 2005: Point standings
    ### GT2 Teams Championship Standings for Proton Competition - 2005 FIA GT
  28. [28]
    Porsche 996 GT3RS - Racecarsdirect.com
    Nov 5, 2024 · Further FIA GT races were competed in 2006 and 2007 but this time ... Team Felbermayr where the car carried the teams iconic blue livery.
  29. [29]
    2006: Point standings - FIA GT Championship - Speedsport Magazine
    Teams standings (Klasse GT1). Pos, Points, Team, Nation. 1, 125, Bartels ... Team Felbermayr-Proton, Germany. 6, 15, Spyker Squadron, Netherlands. 7, 8, Racing ...
  30. [30]
    Team Presentation - LM GTE Am: Abu Dhabi-Proton Racing's and ...
    Jun 7, 2016 · Le Mans ended in retirement, and at the end of the season the team finished third in the Asian Le Mans Series.
  31. [31]
    Race Results - Le Mans 24 Hours 2007 - Racing Sports Cars
    Race Results ; 25 · 14, Lammers / Bleekemolen / Hart, Dome S101.5 Judd, Racing For Holland ; 26 · 12, Cochet / Besson / Frei, Courage LC70 AER, Courage Competition ...
  32. [32]
    Race Results - Le Mans 24 Hours 2008 - Racing Sports Cars
    Race Results ; 8 · 5, Duval / Ayari / Groppi ; 9 · 10, Charouz / Mücke / Enge ; 10 · 34, van Merksteijn / Verstappen / Bleekemolen ; 11 · 18, Ickx / Barbosa / Grégoire ...
  33. [33]
    Lietz, Le Mans legend: Reflecting on almost 20 years of success ...
    Jul 30, 2025 · “I would say the years 2009 and 2010, together with Marc Lieb in the Felbermayr-Proton car. We got the European Le Mans Series championship ...
  34. [34]
    24 Hours of Le Mans – Proton Competition (LMGTE AM) | 24h-lemans.com
    ### Historical Achievements of Proton Competition (2010-2012)
  35. [35]
    Proton Competition to run the Porsche 963 in FIA WEC and IMSA
    Nov 16, 2022 · Proton Competition also took the class team title in the 2009 and 2010 Le Mans Series, the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and, more recently ...
  36. [36]
    2007 – 2013: Conquering Le Mans - Proton Competition
    Oct 30, 2025 · From 2007, factory drivers Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz, and Wolf Henzler began competing for Proton Competition as Porsche pursued class victories ...
  37. [37]
    24 days and 24 stories of 2010: Porsche still in the lead.
    Sep 12, 2010 · Photo: 24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2010. Winners in LM GT2, Marc Lieb Richard Lietz and Wolf Henzler have marked the 98th victory at la Sarthe for ...
  38. [38]
    Race Results - Le Mans 24 Hours 2011 - Racing Sports Cars
    Jun 12, 2011 · Race results of Le Mans 24 Hours 2011. ... Proton Competition, 199, 16:31:19.331, Accident, GTE Am, ILMC, 4:03.6130 ...
  39. [39]
    2012 recap: No.88 Felbermayr-Proton held its head high | FIAWEC
    Jan 17, 2013 · Team Felbermayr-Proton strung together victories like pearls, although sometimes off track, during the course of the FIA World Endurance Championship's ...
  40. [40]
    2013 Le Mans 24 Hours Patrick Dempsey live on lemans-tv.com ...
    This year he will compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of the no. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR entered by the Dempsey-Del Piero-Proton team sharing the ...
  41. [41]
    Race Results - Le Mans 24 Hours 2013 - Racing Sports Cars
    Jun 23, 2013 · GTE Am, 3:59.0570, 217, 205.2000. 26th, 55, O'Young / Perazzini / Casè, Ferrari 458 Italia, AF Corse, 305, 24:01:28.294, 4156.8398 kms, 173.0000 ...
  42. [42]
    Team Proton Competition and Team Dempsey Del Piero−Proton
    Team Proton Competition and Team Dempsey Del Piero-Proton · Motorsports · Season 2013 · 24h Le Mans GT · World Endurance Championship GT · France \ Le Mans.
  43. [43]
    Patrick Dempsey: Winner - Prestige Imports
    Nov 3, 2015 · A few weeks ago, Patrick Dempsey and his Proton Racing Team won the FIA WEC Six Hours of Fuiji event in the GTE-Am class.
  44. [44]
    24 Highlights of 2015 (12) - Patrick Dempsey, his first win
    Dec 12, 2015 · Driver-actor Patrick Dempsey received in 2015 the first great dividends of his involvement in motorsports, with a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.Missing: 2nd | Show results with:2nd
  45. [45]
    Race Results - Le Mans 24 Hours 2016 - Racing Sports Cars
    Jun 19, 2016 · Race Results ; 1 · 2, Dumas / Jani / Lieb ; 2 · 6, Sarrazin / Conway / Kobayashi ; 3 · 8, di Grassi / Duval / Jarvis ; 4 · 7, Lotterer / Fässler / ...
  46. [46]
    Porsche out in force at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans
    Dec 12, 2015 · Beyond the 15 drivers mentioned above, one must not forget Patrick Long who supports Patrick Dempsey in the LM GTE Am class in the WEC for ...Missing: 3rd | Show results with:3rd
  47. [47]
    Dempsey Proton Set to Begin Latest Transition in 2016 WEC Season
    Dec 12, 2015 · The program under the Proton umbrella will see at least a two-car full season effort, with WEC driver's champion Richard Lietz and Michael ...Missing: 3rd | Show results with:3rd
  48. [48]
    Le Mans 2017: 19th overall win for Porsche
    Jun 18, 2017 · In the GTE-Am class, Porsche customer teams fielded four 2015-spec 911 RSR. The best result was secured by the 911 campaigned by Dempsey ...
  49. [49]
    LMGTE Am teams at the 2017 Le Mans 24 Hours – Dempsey-Proton ...
    Jun 13, 2017 · With the two works cars failing to finish, the Dempsey-Proton squad proved to be Porsche's best representative at Le Mans, placing eighth in ...
  50. [50]
    2017 Le Mans 24 Hours - Race results | Crash.net
    Mar 31, 2022 · Ried/Dienst/Cairoli GER Dempsey-Proton Porsche 911 RSR 329 laps GTE Am 35. Yoluc/Hankey/Bell GBR TF Sport Aston Martin Vantage329 laps GTE Am
  51. [51]
    ELMS Season 2018 - European Le Mans Series
    The name G-Drive Racing will appear on the LMP2 Team Champions trophy for the third year in a row after the TDS Racing run no26 Oreca 07-Gibson secured 100.25 ...
  52. [52]
    2018 Le Mans 24 Hours, The Winners & Podium Finishers
    Jun 17, 2018 · Matt Campbell, Julien Andlauer and Christian Ried score their first Le Mans class wins, Ried adding this win to a second place in class in 2014, ...Missing: LMGTE | Show results with:LMGTE
  53. [53]
    Third LMGTE Title in Five Years for the German Team - ELMS
    At the end of the sixth and final race Proton Competition secured the ELMS LMGTE titles by just 4 points, with Kessel Racing and Iron Lynx joining them on the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  54. [54]
    Congratulations to the 2020 ELMS Champions! - FIAWEC
    Nov 2, 2020 · The two teams were tied on 99 points but Proton Competition Porsche (Christian Ried, Michele Beretta and Alessio Picariello) were declared ...Missing: Cairoli Trummer
  55. [55]
    ELMS Champions Crowned, Le Mans Invitations Handed Out
    Oct 22, 2023 · The final ELMS GTE titles went to the #16 Proton Competition Porsche and drivers Zacharie Robichon, Alessio Picariello and Ryan Hardwick. A win ...
  56. [56]
    Proton 'Happy to Help' Ford With Late Fanatec GT Program
    Feb 29, 2024 · Christian Ried described Proton Competition's new program in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS as “a stretch” alongside its ...
  57. [57]
    Proton Porsche retains Jani, signs Andlauer as WEC Qatar entry list ...
    Feb 13, 2024 · Le Mans 24 Hours winner Neel Jani and Porsche-contracted driver Julien Andlauer have been named in the car alongside Harry Tincknell on the 37-car entry list.
  58. [58]
    Proton Competition Finishes Le Mans on Privateer Podium - Neel Jani
    Jun 22, 2024 · Proton Competition finished in 16th place in the Hypercar class and as the third-best privateer team in the FIA World Championship.Missing: position | Show results with:position
  59. [59]
    WEC 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans Results - Motorsport.com
    Porsche 963, 311. +1'45.654. 24:03'41.510. 42.830, 24, 16. 7. CADILLAC RACING ... Proton Competition LMGT3. 88, Italy G. Roda. M. Pedersen. Norway D. Olsen, Ford ...
  60. [60]
    Nine titles for Porsche in the 2024 IMSA Championship
    Oct 13, 2024 · The two Porsche 963 crewed by Dane Cameron, Felipe Nasr and Matt Campbell (Australia) as well as Nick Tandy, Mathieu Jaminet and Kévin Estre ( ...
  61. [61]
    Proton Competition, Ford Performance On Le Mans Podium in ...
    Jun 17, 2024 · In its Le Mans debut, Mustang GT3 finishes the world's toughest and most iconic sports car endurance race with all three cars entered, bringing ...Missing: 2025 ELMS IMSA
  62. [62]
    Reflecting on the race: Looking back at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans
    Jun 26, 2025 · The #99 Proton Competition Porsche 963, shared by Neel Jani, Nico Pino and Nicolás Varrone, ended up in 13th place. The #92 Manthey drivers ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  63. [63]
    24h Le Mans: Crossing the line with four cars - Proton Competition
    Jun 15, 2025 · With two Ford Mustang LMGT3 on the grid, Proton Competition was aiming for a top result.Missing: 98 2018
  64. [64]
    What to expect from the Ford Mustang LMGT3 in 2025 | 24h-lemans ...
    Feb 1, 2025 · The Ford Mustang LMGT3s of Proton Competition are approaching 2025 with lofty ambitions. The goal is clear: become a major player in LMGT3 and fight to win the ...Missing: expansion three-
  65. [65]
    Porsche celebrates double victory at Le Mans 24-hour marathon
    Jun 17, 2018 · For Romain Dumas (France), Timo Bernhard and Sven Müller (both Germany), the race was over after seven hours. Their car (#94) retired in the ...<|separator|>
  66. [66]
    2025 Le Mans 24 Hours - Full results - RacingNews365
    Jun 15, 2025 · 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours - Full results ; 14. #99 Proton Competition, N. Jani, N. Pino, N. Varrone ; 15. #007 Aston Martin Thor Team, H. Tincknell, T ...
  67. [67]
    proton competition - Track Record
    PROTON COMPETITION · ITA Michele BERETTA · AUT Horst FELBERMAYR · NED Max VAN SPLUNTEREN.
  68. [68]
    Proton Competition Statistics and Results | Motorsport Stats
    1. Best Grid. 3. Best Rank. 2. Wins. 1. 1.01%. 1 And 2. 0. Hat Tricks. 0. Grand Slams. 0. Average Wins Per Season. 0.08. Podiums. 1. Double Podiums. 0. Average ...Missing: notable achievements
  69. [69]
    Proton proud of 'excellent' Interlagos result - FIAWEC
    Jul 25, 2025 · ... Porsche 963 Hypercar to a top ten finish. Proton proud of 'excellent' Interlagos result. Proton. @crédit : DPPI. 25/07/2025. Former FIA WEC ...
  70. [70]
    Podium in the FIA WEC: Proton Competition take second place
    May 10, 2025 · With the #77 car of Bernardo Sousa, Ben Tuck and Ben Barker qualifying in third and the #88 machine of Stefano Gattuso, Giammarco Levorato and ...Missing: GTE 2018-2023
  71. [71]
    [PDF] Race After 2012 FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 6 ...
    Team Felbermayr-Proton. 2. 18. 43. 25. Luxury Racing. 3. *. 16. 15. 1. Aston Martin Racing. 4. 15. 15 ... Provisional results subject to final classification ...
  72. [72]
    [PDF] 2018 - 2019 GTE AM TEAMS FIA ENDURANCE TROPHY
    Gulf Racing. GBR. 98. 7. 25. 77. *. 12. 15. 10. 5. 8. *. Aston Martin Racing. GBR. 1. 1. 70. 8. 10. 71. 15. 6. *. 8. 13. 4. 15. MR Racing. JPN. 88. 9. *. 26. *.
  73. [73]
    2019-2020 GTE AM TEAMS FIA ENDURANCE TROPHY
    77. 8. 10. 42,5. 10. 0.5. 12. 10. Dempsey - Proton Racing. DEU. 54. 9. 2. 35. 8. 4. 15. 6. AF Corse. ITA. 62. 10. 4. 16. 1. 1. 6. 4. Red River Sport. GBR. 88.<|separator|>
  74. [74]
    FIA WEC TV
    Ranking ; Pos. Team. Total. Round 1 Qatar. Round 2 Imola ; 1. #83 AF Corse. 214. 38. 25 ; 2. #99 Proton Competition. 135. 27. 18.
  75. [75]
    2025 standings | FIAWEC
    Pos. Manufacturer, Race pts, Total points. 1. FERRARI. 65 +1, 25 +1, 43 +1, 36, 3, 28, 1, 41, 245. 2. TOYOTA. 33, 20, 18, 24, 0, 4, 6, 65 +1, 171.Missing: 2012-2025 | Show results with:2012-2025
  76. [76]
    Race-leading pace and podium battles on 100th FIA WEC appearance
    Sep 28, 2025 · Proton Competition will travel to Sakhir for the season finale of the FIA WEC, the 8 Hours of Bahrain, taking place from 6 to 8 November.
  77. [77]
    This title win is the perfect end to the season - PorscheSport
    Other great successes in the history of the team, founded in 1996 by Gerold Ried, were victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018 and the 1000 Miles of ...
  78. [78]
    The Road to Victory: LMGTE – Proton Competition - ELMS
    At the end of the 2023 season Proton Competition won the European Le Mans Series LMGTE Teams and Drivers title for the fourth time.
  79. [79]
    ELMS : Iron Lynx-Proton win 2024 4 Hours of Mugello - 24h du Mans
    Sep 30, 2024 · Iron Lynx-Proton took their first ever LMP2 victory in the ELMS, with Jonas Ried, Macéo Capietto and Matteo Cairoli standing on the top step of the podium.
  80. [80]
    Double pole and solid points haul at ELMS season finale
    Oct 19, 2025 · Double pole and solid points haul at ELMS season finale. The final round of the 2025 European Le Mans Series offered Proton Competition's three- ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  81. [81]
    Proton Competition starts the season at Daytona in the points for the ...
    Jan 26, 2025 · Proton Competition starts the season at Daytona in the points for the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup - Proton Competition.Missing: 2013-2025 | Show results with:2013-2025<|separator|>
  82. [82]
    Proton Competition rise to Sebring challenge with sixth-place finish
    Mar 16, 2025 · Despite the challenging conditions at Sebring International Raceway, the trio performed excellently to cross the line in sixth position.
  83. [83]
    [PDF] Race Official Results (12 Hours) - IMSA
    Mar 24, 2025 · Proton Competition. GTP. 353 12:02:25.935 1:02.670. 349 1:49.929 ... 03-15-2025. GTD. Daniel Serra. 2:00.716 111.534 Mph. 03-15-2025. Fastest ...
  84. [84]
    [PDF] Race Official Results (24 Hours) - IMSA
    Feb 4, 2025 · Proton Competition. GTP. 352 10:59:38.413 429 Laps. 3 1:37.036 132.074. 51 10. 3 Laps. Not Running. 47. A. Fuoco / L. Patrese / N. Lacorte. R ...
  85. [85]
    Proton Committing To Full-Season Top Class Programmes
    Sep 26, 2023 · Proton Competition is planning to undertake full-season programmes in the top class of the FIA WEC and IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship in 2024.
  86. [86]
    Ford Racing - Facebook
    Jun 16, 2024 · Congratulations, Team Proton Competition! Dennis Olsen, Giorgio Roda and Mikkel O. Pedersen drive Ford Mustang GT3 to its first-ever podium ...
  87. [87]
    Race Results 2024 | Jeddah | Main Race after 1.30 hour
    Main Race after 1.30 hour 6 Hours of Jeddah 2024 Results ; 7, 64, Pro Cup, Christopher Mies, Frederic Vervisch, Benjamin Barker, Proton Competition ; 8, 911, Pro ...<|separator|>