17 Apr 2017

NZ duo finish 2nd at Silverstone

8:37 am on 17 April 2017

New Zealand drivers Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley, alongside Porsche team-mate, German Timo Bernhard finished second at the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Brendon Hartley (left), and Earl Bamber driving for Porsche.

Brendon Hartley (left), and Earl Bamber driving for Porsche. Photo: Photosport

They were just six seconds behind the winning Toyota team at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in England.

The trio started the race in Porsche's Car 2 in fourth position.

In the end Toyota Gazoo Racing pulled off a thrilling last-gasp victory.

Kazuki Nakajima, Sebastien Buemi and Anthony Davidson took Toyota's 11th victory in the WEC after a frantic contest which had drama throughout the six hours.

Buemi made a move on Hartley with just 12 minutes remaining of the six hours to seal the victory and thrill the 50,200 fans.

Porsche took the fight to Toyota and claimed second and third positions but were always in with a chance of a surprise victory throughout.