Heinrich Returns in No. 77 Rexy Porsche, Joined by Bachler and Picariello
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla – AO Racing has confirmed the driver lineup for the No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R looking to defend the Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) class championship in the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.
Laurin Heinrich, the 2024 driver champion in the popular Rexy Porsche, returns to continue building on the success of last season. Joining him for the full 2025 campaign will be Klaus Bachler, with two-time European Le Mans Series champion Alessio Picariello rounding out the trio for the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup rounds.
The No. 77 Porsche won three races and collected two Motul Pole Awards on its way to capturing the 2024 GTD PRO title in the car’s first year in the class. Team principal Gunnar Jeannette believes the team is poised for another run at the crown in 2025.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Porsche in the GTD PRO category for 2025,” he said. “Winning the championship in our first year in such a highly competitive class still feels surreal, and we’re eager to carry that momentum into the new season.
“Laurin showcased his speed and competitiveness in Rexy throughout 2024, and with Klaus and Alessio joining him, we’re confident we have a strong lineup. The introduction of torque sensors is a new development for IMSA teams in GTD, but we’re optimistic that Porsche’s experience in 2024 will give us a strong foundation to stay competitive from the outset.”
Heinrich raced to the GTD PRO championship in his first year of WeatherTech Championship competition. Bachler joined him for one race in the AO Racing Porsche, and the Austrian was a GTD PRO race winner with Pfaff Motorsports at the 2023 Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. Picariello’s most recent WeatherTech Championship experience came this past season with the Proton Competition Porsche 963 in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, where he drove in four endurance races.
Driver Quotes:
Laurin Heinrich: “After clinching the 2024 title, I’m very happy to be back with AO Racing and Rexy. I enjoyed working with Klaus for one race last season, so I’m pleased to have him back, and with Alessio, we have another quick driver from the Porsche family. Personally, I’d love to accomplish my goal of winning one of ‘the big ones’ such as Daytona, Sebring and Petit (Le Mans). Thanks to AO Racing and Porsche for giving us such a strong package to come back and try to defend our title.”
Klaus Bachler: “I’m really excited to be back in IMSA, competing in the GTD PRO class. Partnering with AO is something I’m truly looking forward to. With Laurin and Alessio, I have two incredibly fast and smart teammates whom I respect and enjoy working with. A big thank you to Porsche Motorsport and AO for this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait for the new season to start!”
Alessio Picariello: “I am very happy to join AO Racing, Laurin and Klaus as the third driver for the long races in IMSA. I respect them both a lot and I’m sure we will form a strong trio together with the whole crew in order to fight for those big trophies. I am also looking forward to jumping into the now-iconic Rexy.”