Page "Porsche 961" Paragraph 1

In the early 1980s, the Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile ( FISA ) reorganized their classification structure for motorsports.

Two new categories, known as Group B and Group C, were designated for use in the World Sports-Prototype Championship.

Porsche had developed the 956 for the Group C rules, and following the 956's debut, began work on developing a Group B car.

A initial prototype concept, named the Porsche Gruppe B, debuted in 1983, after which plans were made to build the car for production and provide racing versions for customers as had been done with the 956.