Endurance racing has been Porsche's forte, having claimed 16 outright victories at the world's most iconic endurance racing - the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With its last honour earned more than a decade ago, Porsche is back in the arena and will contest this year at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe.

Hence, we snapped at the chance to speak to Timo Bernhard - one of Porsche's Works Drivers who will be piloting the marque's return at Le Mans - at the recent 911 GT3 and Turbo S launch. Timo has had an illustrious racing career, earning the top accolades at some of the world's most challenging races, including 24 Hours of Nurburgring and 24 Hours of Le Mans. 

SGCM: We see that you are mostly involved in endurance racing. Was there a reason behind this?

TB: I've started racing since a young age and was very lucky to be picked during a selection test by Porsche. Since then, Porsche has been mapping out the career path for myself, and I am not surprised that I am more involved in endurance racing as this is the field of expertise for Porsche - and I'm proud of it.

SGCM: How does it feel to be part of the squad of 11 Porsche Works Drivers, and one of the first selected to pilot Porsche's return to Le Mans?

TB: Previously, I was involved in the motorsports efforts by Audi. But when I was told about Porsche's Le Mans program, I wanted to be part of it. And I am glad to be back with Porsche. It was Porsche who has brought me to the international motorsports arena by allowing me to be in their team. In fact, I was the first to drive the 919 Hybrid. It was a very important and significant day of my racing career and I will always remember it.

SGCM: You have told us that you began racing in early 911 GT3 Cup cars, and have driven all generations of the GT3 since its inception. The latest generation has ditched the 'Mezger' engine block and adopted dual-clutch transmission instead of the conventional manual gearbox. Do you think the new car has lost its 'soul'?

TB: Definitely not. As with tradition, Porsche has worked to improve every generation of its cars and the GT3 is no exception. With each new model, the GT3 became faster, with a better and more dynamic handling. And the figures, too, proves that this new GT3 is much faster than before. The new engine has more clever technologies to allow it perform better, and can now rev to 9,000rpm. And to a race car driver like myself, that is a good thing.