FIA WEC: Championship-leading Porsche hits trouble in opening hour

FIA WEC: Championship-leading Porsche hits trouble in opening hour

Published Nov. 21, 2015 7:49 a.m. ET

Timo Bernhard, Brendon Hartley and Mark Webber’s Drivers’ World Championship is in jeopardy following a mechanical issue in the opening moments of Saturday’s FIA WEC season-ending Six Hours of Bahrain.

The pole-sitting No. 17 Porsche 919 Hybrid of Timo Bernhard made an unscheduled stop from the lead at the 30-minute mark and was immediately wheeled to the garage with issues.

An engine actuator issue saw the car lose nearly five laps and running 31st overall.

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The trio headed into the race with a 13-point lead over Audi’s Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler, who currently run third overall.

As they run now, the Audi trio would be crowned Drivers’ World Champions.

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