Proton Competition Overview
Proton Competition is a German auto racing team founded in 1996 by Gerold Ried and currently owned by his son Christian Ried. Based in Ummendorf, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the team competes in multiple endurance racing series including the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series, IMSA SportsCar Championship, and GT World Challenge Europe. Proton Competition races customer Porsche 963 and factory-supported Ford Mustang GT3 cars and is recognized for its distinctive light blue livery since 2006. The team has a notable history of success with multiple team and driver championships in GT classes and has made numerous appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Proton Competition was established in 1996 by Gerold Ried with the goal of competing in GT racing. The team initially entered two GT2-spec Porsche 911 GT2 cars in the BPR Global GT Series. Early operations focused on building a competitive presence in GT racing, with Gerold Ried and his son Christian Ried forming a father-son driver partnership during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The team gradually expanded its racing programs while maintaining a focus on Porsche machinery.
Growth Into FIA World Endurance Championship Competition
Proton Competition progressed steadily through various GT and endurance racing series, including the FIA GT Championship and Le Mans Series. In 2007, the team entered the Le Mans Series with three cars in the GT2 class, achieving strong results including race wins and high championship finishes. The team made its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2007, partnering with Seikel Motorsport. Over the following years, Proton Competition solidified its presence in endurance racing, forming technical alliances and expanding its driver lineup. The team transitioned into the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2012, fielding cars in both the GTE Pro and GTE Am classes.
Proton Competition Competitive Journey
Proton Competition’s racing journey spans from its early years in GT2 racing to becoming a dominant force in endurance racing series. The team has consistently competed at the highest levels of GT and endurance racing, achieving multiple championships and class victories.
Early Seasons and Development (1996–2006)
In its early years, Proton Competition competed primarily with Porsche 911 GT2 cars in the BPR Global GT Series and FIA GT Championship. The team experienced limited success initially, with modest points finishes and a gradual buildup of experience. The father-son driver pairing of Gerold and Christian Ried was a key element during this period. In 2006, the team rebranded as Team Felbermayr-Proton after Horst Felbermayr Sr. joined, and adopted the light blue livery that remains iconic. This period laid the foundation for future successes despite mixed results.
Breakthrough in Le Mans Series and Endurance Racing (2007–2011)
Proton Competition made significant strides in 2007 by entering the Le Mans Series with three cars in the GT2 class, securing multiple race wins and finishing second in the Teams Championship. The team debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans the same year. In 2009 and 2010, Proton Competition achieved its greatest successes, winning the Le Mans Series Teams Championships in both years and securing the Drivers Championships with Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz. The team also won the GT2 class at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2011, the team adapted to the split of GT2 into GTE Pro and GTE Am classes, competing with cars in both categories and maintaining competitive performances including podium finishes.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2012–Present)
Since 2012, Proton Competition has competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship with entries in both GTE Pro and GTE Am classes. The team continues to race Porsche machinery, including the customer Porsche 963 in endurance events. Christian Ried serves as team principal and owner, overseeing operations from the base in Ummendorf. Proton Competition also competes in the European Le Mans Series and IMSA SportsCar Championship, fielding factory-supported Ford Mustang GT3 cars alongside Porsche entries. The team has expanded its driver roster to include experienced professionals and rising talents. Infrastructure and technical partnerships have evolved to support sustained competitiveness in global endurance racing.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
Proton Competition is known for its focus on endurance racing with a strong emphasis on reliability, strategic race management, and maximizing the performance of Porsche GT machinery. The team excels in GT classes, particularly in endurance formats, leveraging experience and technical expertise to achieve consistent results.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones include the adoption of the light blue livery in 2006, the first major breakthrough with multiple Le Mans Series championships in 2009 and 2010, and the GT2 class victory at the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team’s partnership with notable drivers such as Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz contributed to its championship successes. Proton Competition has also been involved in memorable endurance races, including podium finishes at Le Mans and participation in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.
Proton Competition Achievements and Results
Proton Competition has secured multiple team and driver championships across endurance racing series, establishing itself as a leading GT racing team with a strong record of success.
FIA World Endurance Championship Achievements
Proton Competition has won five Teams’ Championships including the Le Mans Series in 2009 and 2010, the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup GT2 in 2010, and the European Le Mans Series GTE in 2018, 2020, and 2023. The team’s first major win came in the 2009 Le Mans Series, followed by continued dominance in GT classes. The 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans GT2 class victory marked a pinnacle achievement.
European Le Mans Series Achievements
Proton Competition has been a consistent contender in the European Le Mans Series, capturing multiple Teams’ and Drivers’ Championships, including the 2018, 2020, and 2023 GTE titles. The team has demonstrated strong performance in endurance races across Europe, contributing to its reputation as a top GT competitor.
Other Series Achievements
The team has also competed in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and GT World Challenge Europe, fielding competitive entries and supporting driver development. Proton Competition’s participation in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup resulted in a GT2 Teams’ Championship in 2010, further highlighting its global endurance racing success.