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

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

John Dagys

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.

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.