Swiss · Baar, Switzerland · Born 8 December 1983Swiss racing driver who won the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours and two consecutive FIA World Endurance Championships with Porsche's factory LMP1 team.
Neel Jani was born on 8 December 1983 in Rorschach, Switzerland, to an Indian father, and progressed through karting and Formula Renault before winning the A1 Grand Prix championship with A1 Team Switzerland in the 2007–08 season. Jani served as a test and reserve driver for Formula One's Sauber and Toro Rosso teams, making four Grand Prix 2 starts as a stand-in driver, before transitioning fully to sports car racing in 2010, joining Swiss privateer team Rebellion Racing in the Le Mans Series. Jani joined Porsche's LMP1 programme in 2014, and delivered the finest moment of his career in 2016, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright after inheriting the lead when the leading Toyota failed within sight of the chequered flag, going on to win that year's FIA World Endurance Championship title. Jani has continued competing in endurance racing, including Formula E and IMSA competition, and remains one of the most accomplished Swiss racing drivers of his generation, his 2016 Le Mans victory ranking among the most dramatic finishes in the race's long history.
Le Mans 24 Hours winner and FIA WEC champion with Porsche
How They Played
Precise and consistent endurance racing specialist
Lasting Impact
First Swiss driver to win Le Mans, key Porsche LMP1 era driver
Career Honours
- Le Mans 24 Hours 2016
- FIA WEC Champion
- Porsche factory driver
Swiss Athletes