Porsche put focus on motorsport: 'Important part of strategy'

His CV already includes big names such as Maserati, BMW, Audi and, since 2022, Florian Modlinger has been working for Porsche. Speaking to GPblog, the Formula E team boss explains what makes the German brand so special and why they are successful in motorsport.

Porsche's success

Everything Porsche seems to touch in motorsport turns to gold. Whether it is endurance racing or GT cars, wherever the German brand want to compete, they are immediately competitive. They're now racing in their fourth season of Formula E and currently have the best package. The first three races were all won by a Porsche car (Jake Dennis drives an Andretti Porsche).

"Porsche, for me is very special when you see the whole history of Porsche in motorsport," Modlinger said in a conversation with GPblog. "What they achieved in the past in different race series. I am very thankful and proud to be allowed to work for this brand. In addition, when you see in Europe or Worldwide, how many factory teams are left [or how few], I am also very thankful to lead a factory team." 

The German has long been no stranger to motorsport. He already worked for Maserati with GT cars in 2010, before also impressing with several titles at BMW and Audi in DTM. In 2018, he switched to Formula E, where he became the technical director at Team Abt. There, he won the constructors' championship in his first season.

Since the beginning of 2022, Modlinger has been at the helm of Porsche. The 41-year-old got the chance to become the team boss. He does so with merit. In his first year, the team still finished seventh in the constructors' standings but with the new Gen3 cars, Porsche seem to be ahead of the competition. Pascal Wehrlein won two out of the first three races on behalf of the works team and tops the drivers' championship. Among the constructors, Porsche are only behind Andretti who use the same powertrain.

Support from the top for Formula E project

But what makes Porsche so often successful in motorsport? "In my opinion, motorsport is very important for Porsche for marketing and to show their brand to the world and to the people. The focus is on motorsport, it’s an important part of the total company strategy," said the German.

That energy is felt throughout the company, according to Modlinger. The support from above to make the projects succeed is also a big factor for success. "And also the backup [support] from the top management for motorsport projects, it’s a special feeling. In the past, for other companies, this strong support wasn’t so strong. I am very happy about this [at Porsche]."

The Porsche team boss is therefore keen to be successful with the iconic brand. In Formula E, the team recorded one win in their first three seasons and seventh place in the 2022 constructors' championship was their best result so far. However, with 74 points, Porsche have already score more than half of last year's total in just three races. The first title beckons. Asked about his personal goal, Modlinger is therefore clear.

“It is always winning. Victories and collecting titles. That is always my target. For me in Formula E, our main goal is to collect the driver title and the team title. In the past, I have only had chance to win one of them [Constructors' title with Abt], the team title. My clear target is that I want to win with Porsche both titles," Modlinger concluded.

Formula E does not return to action until next week. On 11 February, the Hyderabad ePrix will be held in India. After India, races in South Africa and Brazil will follow, before the electric championship returns to European soil in Berlin and Monaco.