Adapting motorsport to the ever-changing automotive industry, and leading it to a successful future – these are the challenges that Thomas Laudenbach (53) plans to tackle as the Vice President of Porsche Motorsport. On October 1, 2021, the graduate engineer stepped into the shoes of Fritz Enzinger, who has shaped an era over the past ten years with major victories and title wins.
Thomas Laudenbach was born in Santiago de Chile. After studying mechanical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, his path led him to the DTM and to a service company that developed powertrains for various European vehicle manufacturers. In the autumn of 1998, he switched to Porsche. As Head of Powertrain Development, he was involved in racing and sports car projects such as the Carrera GT, 918 Spyder, 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup until 2013. As the head developer of the 3.4-litre direct-injection V8 engine for the Porsche RS Spyder, which was first fielded in the USA, he also became well acquainted with the North American motor racing scene.
He outlines his goals for the next few years, which will be defined by major changes: “We have our 20th Le Mans victory securely in our sights and want to win world championships – both at endurance events and in Formula E.”
