Recently, Porsche confirmed it would enter the 24 Hours of Le Mans as early as next year, competing in the GTE class with a new 911 RSR race car ahead of a previously confirmed assault in the top LMP1 class in 2014.

Now, Porsche has announced that its LMP1 entry will be fielded by a factory team based out of its research center in Weissach, Germany.

The announcement was made at Porsche’s Night of Champions celebrations in Weissach, where the automaker also revealed its new 911 GT3 Cup race car based on the seventh generation of the iconic 911 sports car.

As for its LMP1 development, Porsche said preparations for the running of the new LMP1 racer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the World Endurance Championship in 2014 was proceeding at full speed.

Developing a new LMP1 is no easy task, especially with rivals such as Audi and Toyota, which have already had a number of successes with their own prototypes. Porsche said it needed to expand its Weissach facilities considerably, including building a new workshop and office complex.

The first rollout of Porsche’s new LMP1 is planned for mid-2013. Overseeing the project will be Fritz Enzinger, who will report to Porsche’s motorsport chief Hartmut Kristen.