Cooper Murray preparations on track for Porsche Junior Global Shootout

His thoughts on the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) and his Carrera Cup France podium

Michelin Junior shares thoughts on the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992) and his Carrera Cup France podium  

Following his nomination as the Michelin Junior Winner and Porsche Cars Australia’s nomination for the Porsche Junior Global Shootout in late November, Cooper Murray travelled to Portimao circuit earlier this month for a test session in the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and to contest the final round of Porsche Carrera Cup France this last weekend.

The test session offered the Carrera Cup Australia’s youngest race and round winner, his first taste of the famed European circuit, “Portimao is an amazing track, different to any other I’ve driven in Australia. Most corners are all fast and flowing with only a few slow corners. Pictures and video don’t do it justice or give you a real feel for how much elevation the track actually has, it’s really cool.”

Part of his prize for winning the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme this year in Australia was also the opportunity to be the first to test the new 992, which will be used in the Porsche Junior Global Shootout and campaigned in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia from next season, “What an amazing opportunity it was to race and drive the new 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup car on the weekend in Portimao. The new 992 is completely different to the 991 Gen II Cup car I have been used to for the last three years, which meant having to adapt my driving completely and try not implement old habits from the current car.”

Heading into the last round of Porsche Carrera Cup France, the McElrea Racing graduate had to be mindful of his role within the race, as only five points separated Marvin Klein (CLRT) and Murray’s Martinet by Almeras teammate, Dorian Boccolacci, heading into the French season finale.

Klein would eventually triumph and pip Boccolacci – succeeding Jaxon Evans, the 2020 overall champion- to claim the thirty-first edition of the Carrera Cup France Championship.

After top five performances throughout almost every session of the weekend, Murray impressed all and the young Australian would finish fourth in the weekend’s first race and third in the second and final race, “The Carrera Cup France series is very tough, as you have drivers who are proven to be fast enough to win races in Porsche Mobil1 Supercup. It was a challenge that’s for sure, but was made a bit easier thanks to the experienced team at Martinet by Almeras. It was a pleasure to work with them and I really enjoyed the whole experience.

Murray will now have a two day test session in Paul Ricard in France before heading to the Porsche Junior Global Shootout from the 23-25 November, “Going into the shootout in late November I now have confidence knowing how the 992 behaves and handles. I feel ready for the task that is ahead.”

To learn more about the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia click here: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/

Porsche People: Stephen and Brenton Grove

The Grove family has a decade young association with Porsche

The Grove family has a decade young association with Porsche, and in that short time, they have squeezed more in than most can muster in a full career.

A late bloomer onto the motorsport scene, Stephen Grove, now 53, celebrated the success of his construction industry business by getting involved in motorsport.

In what innocently started behind the wheel of a 2006-spec Porsche 997 in Victorian state racing quickly turned into a full-blown Carrera Cup campaign that has seen him race at the highest level on the domestic and international scene.

And the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree, either. His son Brenton, 23, is also seeking his own success in the sport.

The father and son combination have driven together, and raced against each other. They have different career goals and they also nominate starkly different career highlights.

But if there’s one product that binds them tight beyond their obvious family ties, it’s their love and loyalty of Porsche.

All of the pair’s significant motorsport success has come strapped tight inside the famous German brand, from taking multiple Bathurst 12 Hour class victories, to racing in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and even claiming a medal in the inaugural ‘Motorsport Games’ – racing’s answer to the Olympics.

It was this feat that Stephen and Brenton achieved together that Grove Sr holds dearest.

“Our 12 Hour win together was something that was very special, but for me to win in Rome ticked a lot of boxes because I could represent my country,” said Stephen.

“I’m a very patriotic Aussie, and to represent Porsche, to represent my country, to race with my son and to get a Bronze medal, if I look back at my career so far that would be the pick for me.”

While Stephen’s highlight was as close as he is likely to get to feeling like an Olympic hero, Brenton’s golden moment wasn’t necessarily an on-track result.

In 2020, after seven years of his family’s toil on the track with Porsche, their loyalty was rewarded with factory support for their Bathurst 12 Hour efforts.

Along with British sportscar ace Ben Barker in their 911 GT3 R in the Pro-Am class, they took home the class crown in the once-around-the-clock mountain classic.

But it wasn’t that the Grove’s trophy cabinet might have required an extension that made this a career highlight for Brenton. It was the fact that Porsche had recognised their family team’s worth, and backed their efforts, that he looks back on with fondness.

“For me, the biggest moment we’ve had as a family is winning for Porsche at the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2020,” he said.

“The race was the first time we represented Porsche in the outright Class A, and we brought a car over and it was the first time we had really strong factory support.

“The way we were welcomed into the team and the Porsche family that week was really a proud moment for not only myself and Steve but a lot of the other people that had been with us on the journey through Carrera Cup.

“We were the only Porsche that won a class and to represent the factory in that way was a really special moment.

“We enjoyed it so much that we decided to go and buy a GT3 R of our own!”

Stephen says that unlike other brands, Porsche has a special touch that brings you into the fold and keeps you there.

“Porsche make you feel like you’re a part of their family,” he said.

“That’s a kind of terminology that anyone can use but it’s true – whether you are a part of their racing program or a road car customer, you are made to really feel like a part of the family. And to feel a part of a brand as iconic as Porsche is something a lot of other companies just can’t give you. It’s definitely a family feel.”

That family feel was evident for Brenton early in his exposure to motorsport. In 2013, just as his father was starting to gain a reputation as a solid, competitive Pro-Am driver in Carrera Cup Australia, the then 16-year-old was taken under the wing of Carrera Cup’s late category manager Jamey Blaikie.

“Porsche make you feel like you’re a part of their family – whether you are a part of their racing program or a road car customer, you are made to really feel like a part of the family.” Stephen Grove

In Blaikie’s typically encouraging and accommodating style, he taught Brenton the inner-workings of the Porsche racing business and says now that he learned quickly the unique ethos employed by Porsche.

“Not many people know that I actually did work experience at Porsche Cars Australia,” he explained.

“I worked at Carrera Cup for a year under Jamey Blaikie and I will be forever grateful for Jamey taking me on as a young kid.

“Essentially, I was an assistant to the category manager, and he really showed the importance Porsche places on its customers.

“I learnt everything from dealing with teams to organising schedules and organising events, basically I learnt the whole inner workings of Porsche Motorsport in Australia.

“I’ve kind of done everything with Porsche in terms of motorsport. From racing their cars, to winning in their cars, working for their categories and meeting people in Germany. That just shows the commitment Porsche has to supporting their customers and how committed they are to making sure the experience a business or a customer has with their brand is always of the highest quality.”

Among the growing collection of race cars that the team has in its Melbourne-based racing workshop, Brenton has added a new car to its fleet – a 911 Carrera S.

For Brenton, he now has the best of both worlds. A similar car that he tackles race tracks on and its road-going relation that offers the highest level of comfort and quality.

“I bought a Porsche 911 Carrera S, so essentially the car I’ve been racing for so many years, I now have a version of my own to drive around on the road as a daily driver,” he said.

“Everything about it is quality, luxury and high-end. It’s just a meticulously designed, beautiful car that has the utmost style about it.

“This is the first road car I’ve had with Porsche, and the experience that Piero (Pellegrini) and the team at Porsche Centre Melbourne gave me was out of this world. They are such a professionally-run, really friendly and supportive team that took care of anything and everything to make sure that my experience with them was absolutely perfect.”

So, what’s next for the Grove team? Stephen confirmed that the father and son combination are taking on the all-new GT3 R into the rejuvenated Australian GT class in 2021, alongside his regular Carrera Cup duties.

“A Carrera Cup car is an extremely well-engineered and built car, it’s really good and they build a lot of them, but the GT3 R is next level, the aero and technology that goes into them is incredible and it’s a very special car,” he said.

“We are committed to the full GT season in 2021 in the GT3 R as a father-son team. I’ll do Carrera Cup myself as a separate thing for me, but Brenton and I will race together in GT World Challenge Australia. It’s the first new Porsche GT3-R into Australia, they have only built seven of them so to have one coming down to Australia is really special.”

Troy Bundy announces departure from Porsche Cars Australia

Head of Australia’s premier one-make series to leave Porsche Cars Australia

Following a career spanning four and a half years with Porsche Cars Australia (PCA), Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy, has announced he will be leaving PCA during the month of December this year to take on a new opportunity. Bundy will continue in his role until the completion of this year’s motorsport season and will announce his new role in due course.

Bundy has been a key contributor to the success of Porsche Motorsport in Australia since he joined PCA in 2017. Both Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia have enjoyed strong results under his leadership.

He leaves both series well positioned to continue his success, with the introduction of 30 new 911 GT3 Cup cars (Type 992) already sold ahead of the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia season.

Quotes:

PCA’s Sales and Motorsport Director, Toni Andreevski: “On behalf of the entire team at Porsche Cars Australia, I would like to sincerely thank Troy for his contribution to the successful development of the Porsche motorsport business in Australia. Motorsport in is Porsche’s DNA, and Troy worked tirelessly on behalf of competitors, teams and our many partners to ensure both one-make Porsche racing categories in Australia thrived. Whilst we are sad to see him leave us, we wish him every success in the new endeavours that lay ahead.”

 PCA Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working on the Porsche Motorsport programme in Australia, and I am really proud of what my team and I have been able to achieve during this time. While I am moving on to my next project, the Porsche motorsport programme in 2022 has never looked stronger and I am confident the team will continue to deliver the best support categories within Australia “

Bathurst and The Bend Motorsport Park double header to close out 2021 season

Porsche announce final rounds of 2021 Carrera Cup Australia and Sprint Challenge seasons

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) is pleased to confirm the remaining rounds of both the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Championships subject to regional borders between the required states opening up in time.

Carrera Cup’s fourth round is currently earmarked for the Repco Bathurst 1000, part of the new six-day event to be held at the historic Mount Panorama circuit, which is scheduled to take place from Tuesday November 30 to Sunday December 5. The return of Carrera Cup in Bathurst follows three thrilling rounds in Sandown, The Bend Motorsport Park and Townsville earlier this year.

The week after Bathurst, Australia’s premier one-make series will then head south for a double header at The Bend Motorsport Park, to complete the final two rounds of the 2021 Championship. The South Australian circuit, owned by Morris Finance Pro-Am, Sam Shahin, will see the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship event also host the final two rounds of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series over the same weekend from the 10-12 December.

A drop-the-round ruling – introduced last year by Porsche – may be implemented, should a team be unable to attend. This ruling was already employed to good effect earlier this year by several Sydney drivers (Tim Miles, Indiran Padayachee and Jackson Walls) who were unable to contest the last Carrera Cup Australia round in Townsville, due to travel restrictions at the time in NSW.

While live broadcast coverage of the Repco Bathurst 1000 will be available across both network (FoxSports and Kayo Sports) and Free-to-air (Channel 7) channels, broadcast coverage of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Round will be announced closer to the event.

Quotes:
Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “We want to go racing as much as anybody, and are doing all within our means to get our teams and drivers back on track. This announcement provides the opportunity for both categories to try to complete their seasons in what has been a challenging year for all key stakeholders. I would like to thank our competitors and teams for all the continued support they have provided us during the year, as well as Supercars Australia and Motorsport Australia on working with us over the last few months to achieve the best possible opportunities to go racing again.”

For more Porsche Motorsport Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

2021 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Calendar

Rnd Event State Date
4 Bathurst 1000 NSW 30 Nov – 05 Dec
5 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec
6 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec

2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Calendar

Rnd Event State Date
3 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec
4 The Bend SA 10-12 Dec

New Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) celebrates its endurance debut

New 992 contests penultimate round of Nürburgring Endurance Series

The latest Porsche 911 GT3 Cup has successfully demonstrated its potential for endurance races in a test outing under real race conditions. The ca. 375 kW (510 PS) Cup car based on the 911-generation 992 contested the penultimate round of this season’s Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS). Marco Holzer and Uwe Alzen (both Germany) concluded the four-hour race on the 24.458-kilometre combination of the Nordschleife and the short Grand Prix circuit loop in 18th overall.
From the start of this season, the 911 GT3 Cup has served as the new one-make cup vehicle in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as well as the national Porsche Carrera Cups in Germany, France, the Benelux countries, North America and Asia. Over thirty Type 992 Porsche’s will also make their debut in Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia next year. From 2022, the latest edition of the world’s best-selling racer will also be campaigned in the NLS as well as in other endurance series and 24-hour races.

“As expected, the 911 GT3 Cup performed exceptionally well at its race debut on the particularly demanding Nürburgring-Nordschleife,” concluded Project Manager Jan Feldmann. “During its development, we made sure right from the start that it could also be fielded in endurance competitions as well as the one-make cup sprint races. Today’s test run in the NLS underlined that our team has done a great job.”

The spectacularly styled 911 GT3 Cup is the first one-make car from Porsche to feature a wide turbo-spec body. Producing around 375 kW (510 PS), it exceeds the output of its immediate predecessor by 25 horsepower and can also run on synthetic fuels, which significantly lowers CO2 emissions under racing conditions. Like its predecessor, the 911 GT3 Cup rolls off the production line in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen alongside the 911 production models. After 160 units were produced for 2021, a second production run is currently underway, which involves more than 300 more racing vehicles to meet the high demand.

Compared to the previous model, the focus was on improved performance and a more aggressive design, easier handling and greater durability as well as making it more cost-effective to run and maintain. The result is reflected in numerous features of the new racing vehicle, which also have a positive effect on its suitability for long-distance racing and 24-hour events. For instance, additional flared fenders make a harmonious wheel-tyre combination possible with 12-inch wide rims on the front and 13-inch wide wheels at the rear axle. This is typical for GT racing and has a positive effect on the handling and driveability of the racing car. While the rear axle essentially remains unchanged compared to the 911 GT3 Cup (Generation 991), the front wheels are now controlled by double wishbones and Uniball bearings – like in the 911 RSR, Porsche’s current top racing model.

The modifications for racing in the “Green Hell” are surprisingly minor. “We’re primarily talking about an exhaust system that meets stricter noise requirements, and a modified tank filling system as well as softer sprint rates that harmonise very well with the damper system,” explains Feldmann. “Plus, the front has additional small flares, which provide a little more downforce at the front axle and make it easier for us to find a suitable setup for the demands of the Nordschleife.”

Unlike in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Carrera Cup Deutschland, for example, the 911 GT3 Cup tackles the endurance races with traction control (TC) and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The ABS can be ordered or retrofitted directly from the factory; the TC, which is also optional, can be activated electronically. Thus, nothing stands in the way of adjusting the vehicle for sprint and endurance competitions.

Jan Feldmann regards the outing in the Nürburgring Endurance Series as purely a test run, which serves to fine-tune the setup. In addition to its overall performance, the focus is on determining fuel consumption, for example, in order to achieve the target window of eight laps for one stint. Moreover, the racing car has been fitted with additional prototype headlights that should turn night into day at the 24-hour races. The Manthey team is also developing an extra hydration system. This complements the exceptional ergonomics of the cockpit, which also includes a motorsport multifunction steering wheel made of carbon fibre. This makes it easier during a driver change to adjust to the different body sizes and statures. The vehicle also features a centrally-positioned, 10.3-inch colour monitor as well as a so-called Rubber Switch Panel (RSP) to the right of the steering yolk. Reminiscent of a control element in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, these ten large buttons are given central functions such as lighting and ventilation or to change tyre settings from dry to wet tyres. The aim is to provide drivers with optimal working conditions for long stints at the wheel.

“It’s great fun driving the 911 GT3 Cup on the Nordschleife,” says Marco Holzer, who was involved early on in the development of the one-make cup racer. “It’s really fast, very pleasant to drive and it does exactly what you want without any unexpected surprises. It’s much more of a racing car now and, in my opinion, looks fantastic with its large wing and wider body!”

“I know all of Porsche’s cup cars, but the new 911 GT3 Cup feels even more like a racing car than ever – with its huge roll stiffness it reminds me very much of the 911 GT3 R,” underlines racing veteran Uwe Alzen. “The positive first impression was confirmed in the race – although the Nordschleife is usually a real brain-teaser and follows its own rules. We tried out a couple of things with the suspension setup. The car handles well and has a lot of potential. It’s truly great to drive and I was immediately taken with the ergonomics and craftsmanship. I’m already considering buying one myself and racing it on the Nürburgring!”

Murray to conduct European test in new Porsche 992 & contest Porsche Carrera Cup France

Murray to test new 992 prior to Global Shootout

Porsche Michelin Junior Australian nominee to test new 911 GT3 Cup (992) prior to Global Shootout

Following the announcement by Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) that Cooper Murray is the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Winner for 2021 and will be PCA’s nomination to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in Europe at the end of the year. PCA has also confirmed that the Australian nominee will also test drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car at Portimao Circuit in Portugal on the 18 October in preparation for the Shootout.

The McElrea Racing graduate will then conduct a further two-day test session with Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Team, Martinet by Almeras, at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France on the 20-21 November before contesting the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup France Championship on the weekend of the 22 – 24 October.

Martinet by Almeras is the same team which supported 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, to second position overall in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup Championship this year, behind Larry ten Voorde.

Murray, who is the youngest ever race and round winner in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia history, will also miss the remaining rounds of the 2021 series (on the provision state travel restrictions are lifted) as the Global Porsche Junior Shootout is set to take place on the 23-25 November and he will currently have to quarantine on his return.

Quotes:
Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, PCA: “We are happy to support Cooper and give him the best possible chance for the Global Porsche Junior Shootout, as the Juniors will be utilising the new 992 Cup Car for the first time this year. We feel our contribution to his preparation provides him the best opportunity to acquaint himself with the new car in both race and test conditions. This support is further evidence of the investment Porsche is making in the future of Australian Motorsport in our region.”

Cooper Murray, Porsche Michelin Junior Winner:
“To be given the opportunity to drive the new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car before the Junior shootout event is amazing, not to mention joining the Carrera Cup France grid for the last round of their championship in Portimao. I’m also fortunate enough to do an additional two days in the car to prepare myself in the best possibly way going into the shootout. I can’t thank my Mum and Dad enough for all their hard work to make this possible, as well as McElrea Racing and Porsche Motorsport Australia. I’m looking forward to the challenge that is ahead of me. New Car, new tracks, new team and new countries. Bring it on!“

Cooper Murray wins Carrera Cup Australia nomination for Porsche Junior Shootout

Murray looks to emulate Campbell and Evans success in Porsche Global Shootout

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has announced Cooper Murray as the winner of the Porsche Michelin Junior Australia Programme for 2021 and as a result their nomination for Porsche Junior Shootout globally later in the year.

After taking the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia round win in Townsville earlier this year, Murray held a 25 point advantage in the Michelin Junior Competition point standings prior to Round 4 over McElrea Racing teammate, Harri Jones.

But the cancellation of the Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit recently – the revised final point scoring round – meant that Murray, as the points leader at the time, earned the nomination from Carrera Cup Australia. Should his nomination be approved by Porsche Motorsport in Germany, Murray will have the opportunity to contest the Porsche Junior Shootout against the best Junior drivers from Porsche Carrera Cup Championships from around the world.

The Shootout opportunity continues to play a crucial role in the development of the best emerging talent from the region and is seen as the most proven pathway for talented drivers to progress to the highest level abroad.

To date, the once in a lifetime prize, helped launch the international motorsport careers of both Matt Campbell (2016 winner) and Jaxon Evans (2018 winner). Campbell is now a Porsche factory driver with victories in Bathurst 12 Hour and Le Mans 24 Hour to his name, while Evans is a two-time Carerra Cup Champion with regular appearances in top-level GT competition globally including the Le Mans 24 Hour, World Endurance Championship and Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, where he finished second this season.

Other Carrera Cup Australia drivers to ascend the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid locally and go on to attend the Porsche Junior Shootout in recent years include the likes of Nick Foster (2015); Dylan O’Keeffe (2017, 2018) and Jordan Love (2019). The Porsche Michelin Junior Programme remains the most established and proven Junior driver development pathway to the highest level of both local and international motorsports.

A European race track has been booked for the three-day Shootout, which starts early on the morning of Tuesday, 23 November and ends in the late afternoon of Thursday, 25 November later this year.

Quotes:
Troy Bundy, Head of Motorsport, PCA: “Like all the Juniors that have come through our Programme, it’s been personally rewarding to see Cooper’s development and outright pace mature in both our series, ever since his first season with us in 2018 – which was then GT3 Cup Challenge (Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.) Despite his young age, he has been a force within Carrera Cup Australia the last two years, against arguably the strongest Pro drivers in the series history.“

Cooper Murray, 2021 Porsche Michelin Junior Winner: “I’m very excited and grateful to have been nominated as Porsche Carrera Cup Australia’s representative with the opportunity to attend the Porsche Junior Global Shootout event. I hope to follow in the footsteps of fellow McElrea drivers Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans and replicate their success. I wouldn’t have been able to get to this point in my career if it wasn’t for the amazing support of my family, McElrea Racing and everyone who has helped me along the way.”

To learn more about the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme in Australia: https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/

Rising star locks in Porsche 992 campaign with McElrea Racing

Bayley Hall is first to announce 2022 Carrera Cup Australia campaign in Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992)

Michelin Junior driver, Bayley Hall, is the first exciting, young driver to claim his spot on the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia grid in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992).

The Type 992 is the first wide-body race car from Porsche Motorsport in Weissach, Germany to be based on the current Porsche 911 (992 generation). First unveiled to Australian teams and drivers at The Bend Motorsport Park earlier this year, the Type 992 will make its debut in the series next year.

Hall’s 510hp Porsche, will be just one of an initial batch of thirty (30) 992 generation 911 GT3 Cup cars to be brought into the country by Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) later this year – a record number of units that will result in the largest field of any generation of race car in the premier one-make series’ 17-year history down under.

The 18 year old Queenslander announced the news to media and sponsors at a Sanctuary Cove function on the Gold Coast. The event played host to both his current partners (Hall Finance and Insurance Solutions, Siebe Gorman Life Science and Gap Solutions) but also potential partners for the 2022 season, with the likes of James Courtney, Warren Luff and Adrian Burgess from the Repco Supercars Championship also in attendance.

Hall makes the step-up to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series in the Mobil Pro class following an impressive debut in 2021 Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series so far this year, where he has demonstrated his maturity and speed on several occasions, including a front row start and podium in his first ever Porsche race at Phillip Island.

Despite his young age, the talented GT racer has already amassed a large amount of experience, having competed a number of different racing series and cars including the Australia GT Championship and the Bathurst combined sedans series. Hall is also the youngest ever podium finisher at the Bathurst 12 Hour, finishing third in class in a Marc Cars Mustang V8.

Quotes:
Bayley Hall: “‘The prospect of competing in the pinnacle of Porsche Motorsport in Australia is surreal. Like many, there’s been huge sacrifices and hard work to get me to where I am today and I couldn’t be prouder or happier of what we’ve achieved so far. I’m very excited about what the McElrea team and I can do next year and I can’t thank everyone involved enough, including all those who have gotten me to where I am today. I can’t wait to get in the new 992 and give it all I’ve got.”

Andy McElrea, Founder & Team Principal, McElrea Racing: “At MR, we are really thrilled to announce Bayley as our first Pro driver signed for the 2022 Carrera Cup Australia season in the new 992 Cup car. We have been fortunate enough to have been on pole for the first race of the last three generations of new 911 Cup Cars in Australia – the 997, 991:1 and 991:2 – so we have no doubt, Bayley will be pushing hard to be at the front from the start of the new era and stamp his name in the record books as soon as possible.”

For more race information, videos and interviews, follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Change at the helm of Porsche Motorsport

Fritz Enzinger passes the Porsche Motorsport baton to Thomas Laudenbach

Thomas Laudenbach (53) will assume the role of managing Porsche Motorsport on October 1, 2021. The accomplished German engineer takes over from Fritz Enzinger (65), who has led the racing department of the sports car manufacturer to countless successes since 2011. “We cannot thank Fritz Enzinger enough for his enormously successful work over the past ten years. He shaped an era at Porsche Motorsport that led us to incredible triumphs and title wins,” comments Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “Motorsport has played a very special role in Porsche’s corporate strategy. We’ve always used the racing platform as a test laboratory for the latest technologies. Thomas Laudenbach has everything it takes to successfully continue on this path. We look forward to the future of motorsport, in which we want to take an active role in shaping. The Mission R concept presented at the IAA MOBILITY showcases an exciting preview of what’s to come.”

When the Austrian Fritz Enzinger came to Porsche in 2011, he spearheaded the successful LMP1 programme with the 919 Hybrid. Between 2014 and 2017, he achieved three overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as winning a total of six world championship titles in three consecutive years. In 2019, Enzinger took over complete responsibility for Porsche Motorsport. Two more world championship titles followed that year, this time with the 911 RSR in the GTE-Pro category of the World Endurance Championship FIA WEC. Under Enzinger’s direction, the sports car manufacturer also tackled the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, and won the titles in the North America IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in the fiercely contested GTLM class with the 911 RSR.

“I look back on what we’ve achieved together with pride and gratitude,” explains Fritz Enzinger. “It was an incredibly intense time. The development of the LMP1 programme, the hat-trick at Le Mans and the world championship titles with the 919 Hybrid, the title wins with the 911 RSR, our entry into Formula E and the preparation of our LMDh engagements from 2023 onwards have demanded fortitude and focus from us all. Such successes are always the result of excellent teamwork. My greatest respect and thanks go out to everyone who contributed to this – in the cockpit, on the racetrack, in Weissach, Flacht and Zuffenhausen. My thanks also go to the strong Porsche customer teams who, among other achievements, clinched overall victories in the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring and in Spa-Francorchamps,” the Austrian added. “Motorsport, like the entire automotive industry, is changing. Thanks to his experience and expertise, Thomas Laudenbach is exactly the right man to lead Porsche Motorsport into this future.”

“I’m thrilled about the trust that’s been placed in me and excited about the tasks ahead,” comments Thomas Laudenbach. “The big goal is to build on the great successes that have been achieved under the direction of Fritz Enzinger. It’s a wonderful challenge. We will adapt motorsport to the changed conditions in the automotive industry – from customer racing to factory involvement in the major racing series around the globe. We have our sights firmly set on claiming our 20th Le Mans victory, we want to win world championships – both in endurance racing and in Formula E. It’s also important to continue developing our customer racing. With the Mission R concept study, we are showing how attractive this can look.”

The qualified engineer Thomas Laudenbach, born in Santiago de Chile, completed his mechanical engineering studies at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. His path initially led him to the DTM and to a service company that developed powertrain components for various European vehicle manufacturers. In the autumn of 1998, Laudenbach came to Porsche AG. As Head of Powertrain Development, he was involved in racing and sports car projects such as the 918 Spyder, 911 RSR, 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup until 2013.

As the leading developer of the 3.4-litre direct-injection V8 engine for the Porsche RS Spyder, Laudenbach also became acquainted with the North American motorsport scene. This will soon come full circle: From 2023, Porsche will compete for overall victories with a new LMDh hybrid prototype in the US IWSC racing series and the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship. As was the case with the RS Spyder between 2005 and 2008, the top American team Penske will once again serve as Porsche’s cooperation partner.

Evans finishes Porsche Mobil1 Supercup season in second

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, round 8, Race, Monza (Italy)

Third place at the penultimate round of the season was enough for Larry ten Voorde to secure the championship title in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup for the second time in a row. The Dutch driver from the GP Elite team crossed the finish line on the Formula 1 racetrack in Monza behind the Turkish Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven from the BWT Lechner Racing squad and Dorian Boccolacci with 2018 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Champion, Jaxon Evans, finishing fourth.
“I didn’t want to take any risks. Jaxon Evans was the only person I had to watch out for,” reported ten Voorde. Before the start of Round 7, the New Zealander from the Martinet by Alméras squad, who ranked second in the standings was the only driver with a chance of catching ten Voorde heading into the Monza event. However, fourth in the seventh race and seventh in the final race on Sunday for Evans, saw the Dutch driver crowned champion
Ten Voorde crossed the finish line in first place at the final round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup for the fourth time this season. Taking up the race from pole position, the Dutchman from the GP Elite squad claimed a convincing victory in the final race of Porsche’s international one-make cup. Scoring second place, Laurin Heinrich secured the rookie title. Driving for the Nebulus Racing by Huber team, the German only just managed to beat Ayhan-can Güven (BWT Lechner Racing). With third place, the Porsche Junior from Turkey defended his third ranking overall in the series.

“A great race. The duel against Laurin Heinrich over the first few metres was fantastic – we both allowed each other enough space. About halfway through the race Dorian Boccolacci put me under pressure but I think he was a bit too tough on his tyres. This is the perfect conclusion to a great season for me and the best way to thank my GP Elite team,” said Larry ten Voorde, giving a rundown of the season finale.

While ten Voorde maintained a convincing lead to the flag, in his slipstream a battle unfolded between Heinrich and Boccolacci for second place. After two braking errors, the Frenchman from the Martinet by Alméras squad finally had to relinquish his spot to the German, and ultimately to Güven and his compatriot Florian Latorre (CLRT). Heinrich, who had taken up the race from the second grid spot, was ecstatic: “My start was awesome and I was able to attack Larry as we headed into the first chi-cane. But then I pulled back because the rookie title was more important. I also put too much stress on my tyres in Larry’s slipstream. Still, at the halfway point, my tyres were in better condition than Dorian’s and I overtook him again,” stated the 19-year-old from the German city of Würzburg.

The Pro-Am category went to Nicolas Misslin from Monaco for the sixth time in a row. The seasoned specialist from the Lechner Racing Middle East team had already claimed an early championship title in this category. Claiming eighth place at the final round of the season, Voorde’s compatriot Max van Splunteren narrowly sealed the overall victory in the team classification for his GP Elite squad.

Race 8 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 15 laps, Monza (I)
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 27:51.483 minutes
2. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +1.540 seconds
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), +4.715 seconds
4. Florian Latorre (F/CLRT), +4.933 seconds
5. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +5.627 seconds

Final standings Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 155 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 111 points
3. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 110 points*
4. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 110 points
5. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 91 points
6. Dorian Boccolacci (F/Martinet by Alméras), 81 points

* placed ahead of Heinrich due to better results from individual races

The title holders of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup
Overall winner: Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
Pro-Am: Nicolas Misslin (MC/Lechner Racing Middle East)
Rookie: Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber)
Teams: Team GP Elite (NL)

Full results and overall standings are available at:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results

Jaxon Evans heads to Monza for Porsche Supercup finale

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Preview, rounds 7 and 8, Monza

The Royal Park of Monza will host the “Finale Grande” of the 2021 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup this weekend. On the Formula 1 racetrack in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, the battle for the title will be decided between series leader Larry ten Voorde from the Dutch team GP Elite and his pursuers.
His hottest rival for the title is Jaxon Evans from the Martinet by Alméras squad, who currently ranks second in the standings. Despite a 25-point gap, the 2018 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Champion definitely has a chance – after all, the 375 kW (510 PS) 911 GT3 Cup cars will be fielded in two races as support to the Italian Grand Prix: the seventh round of the season on Saturday (September 11th) and at the eighth on Sunday. Thus, there are still 50 points to be claimed.

“Last year I won the Supercup race at Monza, so naturally, at least one win is my goal for the coming weekend,” claims ten Voorde. This is exactly what Evans plans to prevent. “A lot can happen in motorsport. In any case, I won’t give up. The best chance I have to catch Larry is to win both races,” asserts the New Zealnder, who crossed the finish line in fifth at the 2020 season finale in Monza.

Theoretically, four other drivers still hold title aspirations. They include the Germans Laurin Heinrich and Leon Köhler (both Nebulus Racing by Huber), who celebrated an impressive one-two victory in Zandvoort last weekend, as well as Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven from Turkey and Dylan Pereira from Luxembourg (both BWT Lechner Racing). The Tifosi are pinning their hopes on the home team Dinamic Motorsport, whose driver Simone Iaquinta recently achieved his best Supercup result to date in Zandvoort with third place.

The titles in the rookie, ProAm and team classifications of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup are also still up for grabs. Spearheading the newcomers is Germany’s Laurin Heinrich, winner of the previous Supercup race in Zandvoort. He holds a 24-point lead over Frenchman Dorian Boccolacci (Martinet by Alméras). In the ProAm class, Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East) from Monaco heads the leaderboard, with pursuers Philipp Sager (Dinamic Motorsport) from Austria and defending champion Roar Lindland (Nebulus Racing by Huber) from Norway chasing him. In the team ranking, four squads still have a shot at first place overall: the Dutch team GP Elite, BWT Lechner Racing from Austria, Nebulus Racing by Huber from Germany and the French outfit Martinet by Alméras.

The grid line-up for both Supercup races will be determined in a single qualifying session. For the seventh round of the season, the drivers’ fastest lap will count. For the final on Sunday, the second-best times will produce the starting order, possibly completely different.

Australian fans can watch Qualifying and the final rounds of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup on FOX Sports channel 506 and Kayo Sports.
Fans can also follow the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup action at any time on the social networks Twitter (@PorscheSupercup / @PorscheRaces), Instagram (@PorscheSupercup) and Facebook (@PorscheSupercup).

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup relies on Esso Renewable Racing Fuel
Porsche and ExxonMobil are implementing a two-stage strategy in the introduction of renewable fuels in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This season, the racing vehicles will be powered by a blend of bio-based fuel. This advanced biofuel is obtained from food waste products. Additional components are blended in to enable the required fuel properties and combustion behaviour.

In 2022, the next step will be to introduce synthetically manufactured eFuel. This Esso Renewable Racing Fuel is anticipated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 per cent, when blended to current market fuel standards for today’s passenger vehicles(1). The partnership between Porsche and ExxonMobil aims to gain valuable experiences to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption.

Schedule rounds 7 and 8 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (all times AEST)
Saturday, 11 September
18:25 Qualifying: LIVE FOX Sports 506
Sunday, 12 September
19:58 Race 1: FOX Sports 506
20:28 Race 2: LIVE FOX Sports 506

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, overall standings before the final
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 113 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 88 points
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 78 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 69 points
5. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 68 points
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 67 points

Full results and overall standings are available at:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results

(1)The GHG emissions reduction stated here relates to the comparison of the calculated carbon footprint of product (CFP) for the renewable components in the PMSC race fuel versus a 94 grams CO2e/MJ of EU Renewable Energy Directive II baseline comparator. Emissions reduction of up to 85% from renewable components vs. conventional are based on carbon footprint of product calculations conducted under ISO 14067 methodology, effectively referenced as a well-to-wheels boundary, taking into account the feedstock, production, transportation, and combustion related emissions to manufacture the blend of renewable components mentioned here. A functional unit of 1 MJ of fuels was used for the comparison.

Applications for the 2022 Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship open

Porsche New Zealand is looking for a young New Zealand driving talent.

Team Porsche New Zealand (TPNZ) is opening the application process for its Scholarship to support a young kiwi talent to drive in the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series.

In its debut 2021 season, TPNZ has already had success in achieving its purpose – winning & creating a pathway for young New Zealand talent to advance in motorsport.

Despite Covid-19 disrupting the 2021 season and allowing only three rounds so far, the 2021 scholarship recipient Matthew Payne has already achieved two pole positions, a race win and has recently signed with Grove Racing as their inaugural inductee into their Grove Junior Team.

Grove Motorsport run cars in the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, Dunlop Super 2 series and Repco Supercars Championship (under Kelly Grove Racing). They established their junior team to support and foster the next generation of motorsport talent to the highest level of Australasian motorsport, the Repco Supercars Championship.

Which category Matthew will compete in next year has yet to be announced.

Applications for the 2022 scholarship are now being accepted online: Apply Here.
They are open until the 15th of October. A shortlist of candidates will then be chosen for interviews and assessments before a final selection.

Earl Bamber: “We are really excited about the Team Porsche New Zealand Scholarship. It is something we are proud to offer, and it gives a solid platform for young Kiwi drivers to aspire to from karts and other national championships. With Matthew’s success this season, the programme has already proven its value. It’s about providing a pathway to a professional motorsports career.”

Porsche New Zealand General Manager, Greg Clarke: “The success achieved in such a short period has been fantastic, and we look forward to following Matthew’s development in 2022 as we welcome our second scholarship recipient into the brand new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car (Type 992). This programme, in conjunction with our support of the local Pirelli Porsche NZ Championship & recently announced Super GT New Zealand Motor Racing Series, are key in our support of New Zealand Motorsport and talent.”

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “It is great to see Matthew Payne’s development and success this season with Team Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport, as well as the future opportunity he has with Grove Racing Junior team. We welcome all the Junior development initiatives from each of our Carrera Cup Australia teams. They only serve to reinforce the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and our domestic Porsche Michelin Junior Programme – which provides the most proven pathway for emerging talent from across the Australasian region to reach the highest levels of the sport; both locally and internationally.”

About Team Porsche New Zealand: Team Porsche New Zealand was formed by Porsche New Zealand in conjunction with Earl Bamber Motorsport (EBM) in late 2019.

The team is based in Brisbane and run by EBM, whose principals are brothers Earl and Will Bamber. Two-time Le Mans 24-hour winner Earl himself progressed his motorsport career via the Porsche Pyramid through Carrera Cup Asia, Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and ultimately as a factory driver for Porsche in both the WEC (World Endurance Championship) and the North American IMSA (International Motor Sports Association).

It is intended that each year a scholarship will be offered to support an exciting young New Zealand talent achieving a drive in the Carrera Cup Australia. With the combination of the Bamber’s international motor racing and Porsche Motorsport experience, this scholarship provides a unique opportunity to develop upcoming New Zealand drivers skills for international success.

For further information please contact:

Sales Manager
Porsche New Zealand
Jamie Taylor
Phone: +64 21 803 358
E-mail: jtaylor@porsche.co.nz

Grove Racing reinforces Porsche Motorsport Pyramid as key pathway to foster Supercars drivers

Creation of Grove Racing Junior Team cements Carrera Cup Australia as preferred pathway into Supercars

Three-time Carrera Cup Australia Pro-Am Champion, Stephen Grove, sees the Grove Racing Junior team as his preferred pathway for young karters to progress through both Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia to the highest level of local motorsport, the Repco Supercars Championship.

The news comes off the back of the formation of the Grove Junior Team and the announcement of Matthew Payne as its inaugural inductee. The gifted New Zealander has had unprecedented success in karting internationally and the Toyota Racing Series, before making the transition the highly competitive Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia series this year and becoming a Michelin Junior driver. After three rounds, Payne recorded back-to-back pole positions and a maiden race win with the newly formed Team Porsche New Zealand Junior Team run by Earl Bamber Motorsport.

For the remainder of the 2021 season, the Grove Junior Team will aim to have an entry in both the Carrera Cup Australia and Super 2 series allowing Payne the opportunity to develop in the best testing grounds in Australia.

Quotes:
Stephen Grove, Grove Racing Team Owner & Principal: “It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that Matt Payne will be coming straight out of Carrera Cup Australia into our Junior program. We set up the Grove Junior Team to be able to support and foster the next generation of motorsport talent through karting, the Porsche Pyramid and Super 2 with a view to ultimately one day lead into the pinnacle of Motorsport, Supercars. I have had the pleasure of actually racing with Matt this year and watch him develop in Carrera Cup Australia. He had some fantastic results at Townsville, to put it on Pole at a track he’s never been to show he’s got a huge talent. Our aim with the program is to help foster him and take him to the next level.”

Porsche Cars Australia’s Head of Motorsport, Troy Bundy: “There are not many Supercar drivers that haven’t come through both Carrera Cup Australia and our Porsche Motorsport Junior Programme, the latter remains the most proven pathway for drivers to progress onto international and local success. We welcome all the Junior development initiatives of each our Carrera Cup teams and see the Grove Racing Team as a strong partner locally in developing emerging talent from across the Australasian region.”

About Porsche Michelin Junior Programme
The continued support and development of the best young drivers from around the Australasian region has been a key priority for both Michelin Australia and Porsche Cars Australia for several years now. The domestic collaboration has seen the initiative grow into benchmark driver development programme in the country and remain a vital feature of the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid.

For the 2021 season, the French tyre giant has announced that it will again support the Porsche Junior Development Programme offering eligible young drivers from the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia and Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge series mentorship, support and training from the country’s leading sports professionals and coaches, as well as the opportunity to win their share of the $300,000 prize pool on offer.

Other drivers that have progressed up the Porsche Motorsport pyramid in recent years via the Australian Junior Programme, include the likes of Matt Campbell, Nick Foster, Nick Percat, Fabian Coulthard and Andre Heimgartner, who have all gone on to succeed at the highest levels of the sport both locally and internationally.

To learn more about the Porsche Michelin Junior Programme visit:
https://www.carreracup.com.au/junior-programme/

For more Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia news and content follow the Porsche Motorsport Australia social pages: Instagram – @PorscheMotorsportAU / Twitter – @PorscheMspAU / Facebook.com/ PorscheMotorsportAU

Porsche presents its future-driven Mission R concept study

The vision of an all-electric customer sports racing car

Porsche has provided a spectacular look into the automotive future, right on time for the start of the IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, Germany (from 7 to 12 September).

The Mission R concept car combines state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable materials, such as natural fibre-reinforced plastics, with a passion for racing. In addition to a progressive design, the extremely low-slung, all-electric competition car features the characteristic lines of the sports cars from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

The two newly developed electric motors incorporated in the Porsche Mission R deliver up to 800 kW / 1,088 PS* (horsepower) in so-called qualifying mode. The battery capacity of around 80 kWh and the innovative recuperation system make sprint racing possible with no loss of output.

“Porsche is the brand for people who fulfil their dreams. This is also true in motorsports. We experience our innovative strength on the race track, demonstrate courage in pursuing new avenues and delight car owners with sporting performance,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG.

“In addition to our involvement in the Formula E World Championship, we are now taking the next big step forward in electric mobility. The concept study is our vision of all-electric customer motorsports. The Mission R embodies everything that makes Porsche strong: performance, design and sustainability.”

Customer motorsports enjoy a high level of esteem at Porsche. Since the start of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland 31 years ago, the sports car manufacturer has produced and delivered more than 4,400 Cup cars from Weissach. A total of 30 one-make cup series are held worldwide on the basis of these reliable, high-performance racing cars.

The latest version of the 911 GT3 Cup was launched at the start of this year’s 2021 motorsport season and is based on the 992 generation 911 model. The new car will debut in Australia in the 2022 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia.

The Porsche Mission R provides an indication of what the future of one-make series with all-electric cars could look like. The all-wheel drive car delivering just under 1,100 PS* (horsepower) in qualifying mode accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in less than 2.5 seconds. Top speed is over 300 km/h.

On the race track, the electric racer achieves the same lap time performance as the current Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Thanks to newly designed electric motors and battery cells – all equipped with innovative direct oil cooling – the Porsche Mission R concept study produces a constant power output of 500 kW / 680 PS* (horsepower) in race mode.

So-called de-rating, i.e. reduction of the battery‘s power output due to thermal conditions, has been eliminated. An electric motor with up to 320 kW / 435 PS* (horsepower) powers the front axle, while a maximum of 480 kW / 653 PS* (horsepower) is delivered to the rear.

Thanks to advanced 900-volt technology and Porsche Turbo Charging, a good 15-minute break from racing is all that is needed to charge the battery from 5 to 80 per cent SoC (state of charge). Charging can take place with up to 340 kW.
The Mission R also features a further development of Porsche Active Aerodynamics (PAA) with Drag Reduction System (DRS) on the nose section and rear wing. It comprises three louvres in each of the two side air intakes on the nose section as well as an adjustable, two-section rear wing.

In addition to the innovative, battery-electric drive concept, the body of the concept car also focuses on CO2 reduction and sustainability: it is largely made of natural fibre reinforced plastic (NFRP), the basic material of which is made from flax fibres obtained from farming. This ecological material is also used for the front spoiler lip, the diffuser and the side skirts. NFRP is used extensively in the interior of the Mission R, such as the interior door panels, the rear bulkhead and the seat.

The interior design focuses on the driver in all areas. An ergonomically placed display between the controls on the steering wheel shows relevant data during the race. The monitor above the steering column shows the images from the side mirror cameras and the central rear-view mirror camera. A touch display to the right of the seat can be used to call up the driver’s biometric data, for instance. Numerous other cameras in the interior can be used to provide exciting sequences for a live stream transmission.

With the Mission R project, Porsche is bringing real and virtual racing closer together than ever before. The monocoque driver’s module in exactly the same form also doubles as an esports simulator. The safety structure made of carbon fibre composite material combines high protection potential for the driver with low weight and a distinctive look. Porsche engineers and designers have named the newly developed carbon roof structure the ‘exoskeleton’. It combines safety cage and roof skin.

At 4,326 millimetres in length, the Porsche Mission R is slightly shorter than the current 718 Cayman series, but it is noticeably wider at 1,990 millimetres and with an external height of 1,190 millimetres is also significantly lower.
In the course of the last few years, with the Mission E (2015) and Mission E Cross Turismo (2018) concept studies, Porsche has given unmistakeable previews of its first all-electric sports car model series to come. The Porsche Taycan sports saloon (2019) and the Taycan Cross Turismo cross-utility vehicle (2021) closely resemble the two concept studies in terms of appearance and technology, and have already been successfully launched on the world markets – mission accomplished in other words.

Now, with the Mission R, Porsche is presenting its vision of what customer motorsports will look like in the future. The show car celebrates its world premiere today at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich, Germany

For more Porsche information and content please visit: newsroom.porsche.com.au

IMAGE Gallery: https://www.carreracup.com.au/porsche-mission-r-all-electric-concept/

* PS (PferdeStärke, German for horsepower) is the standard unit used in the European Union to measure the power output of a motor in ‘metric horsepower’

Heinrich takes Porsche Supercup win, Evans still in contention for Championship

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 6, Race, Zandvoort

It was a weekend for the newcomers in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup: Rookie Laurin Heinrich won round six on the Circuit Zandvoort ahead of Leon Köhler. The two Germans compete for the Nebulus Racing by Huber, which celebrates its debut season in the international one-make cup with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Heinrich and Köhler even took up the 16-lap race on the Dutch Formula 1 circuit from the front grid row. At the flag, the 19-year-old from Würzburg and the 22-year-old from Kleinwallstadt in Franconia were a full four seconds ahead of the pursuing pack.

“Pole position and victory in the Supercup – what a perfect weekend. I was cautious with my tyres during the race and managed to pick up the pace a little whenever Leon got closer,” revealed Heinrich. “Laurin had the advantage in the fast corners, and I was better in the slower ones, so I never really got the chance to launch a serious attack. Still, I’m super happy with second place,” concluded Köhler. “As far as I’m concerned, both are winners today,” said team boss Christoph Huber in praise of the pair. “We’ve steadily improved since the beginning of the season and now we’ve been rewarded with a one-two result – I’m mega proud of my squad.”

Thanks to his maiden Supercup victory, Heinrich has moved up the leaderboard to rank third overall and has also extended his lead in the rookie standings. Nicolas Misslin (Pierre Martinet by Alméras) achieved a similar feat. The Monegasque won the ProAm category for the fourth time and has thus expanded his lead in this category.

Behind Heinrich and Köhler, the Dinamic Motorsport driver Simone Iaquinta celebrated his best Supercup result to date with third place. “I got off the line perfectly and was able to immediately overtake Ayhancan Güven. He then attacked over the entire 16 laps but I didn’t let him rattle me,” commented the defending champion of the Porsche Carrera Cup Italy. Porsche Junior Güven paid his respects: “Simone made a strong move at the start – after that, I had no real chance to overtake. Still, I’m pleased to take home the points for fourth place,” emphasised the BWT Lechner Racing driver from Turkey.

Points’ leader Larry ten Voorde finished in fifth place. The favourite among the ten thousands of Dutch fans was very pleased with his performance. “I pulled off a super overtaking manoeuvre against Dylan Pereira – that was fantastic racing. Plus, I managed to extend my lead in the overall classification – what more could I want?” stated the reigning Supercup champion from the GP Elite squad.
Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras), ten Voorde’s only remaining rival in the fight for the title, experienced a race to forget. “I lacked the speed over the entire race weekend. Now I have to turn my full attention to the finale in Monza,” concluded the New Zealander, who finished in tenth place. As he heads to the doubleheader finale in Italy, his gap to ten Voorde is 25 points.

Nevertheless, Evans could still claim the title: Fifty points are up for grabs at the season finale this coming weekend – the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup holds two races as support to the Italian Grand Prix in Monza (10 to 12 September 2021).

Race 6 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 16 laps, Zandvoort (NL)
1. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 26:25.621 minutes
2. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), +0.470 seconds
3. Simone Iaquinta (I/Dinamic Motorsport), +4.656 seconds
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), +5.257 seconds
5. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), +6.158 seconds
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), +8.856 seconds

Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 6 of 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 113 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 88 points
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 78 points
4. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 69 points
5. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 54 points
6. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 67 points

Full results and overall standings:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results

Experience the unveiling of a futuristic Porsche concept study live

Motorsports have always served as a catalyst for innovation at Porsche. For more than 70 years now, the sports car manufacturer from Stuttgart has used this stage to showcase its pioneering spirit, its research and development, and its passion for state-of-the-art mobility. Even before the start of this year’s IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich (from 7 to 12 September), Porsche is offering a spectacular look at the future of motorsports with the unveiling of a futuristic concept study. This world premiere will start on Monday, 6 September, at 23:00 (AEST). Among those taking part in the presentation will be two-time overall Le Mans winner and current Porsche brand ambassador Timo Bernhard, in addition to the US actor Patrick Dempsey. The Hollywood star (e.g. “Grey’s Anatomy”) has himself already claimed numerous successes in race events at the wheel of a Porsche 911 RSR.

The event will be broadcast in German and English on the Porsche Media platforms newsroom.porsche.de and newstv.porsche.de from 23:00 on Monday. The social media channels LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/porsche-ag), Facebook (www.facebook.com/porsche) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/c/Porsche) and will be showing the event live with English commentary. For the first time, journalists and fans alike will now have the opportunity to get up close via Smart TV: the Porsche TV app is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, LG TV and all appropriate Samsung devices.

Further information, film and photo material in the Porsche Newsroom: newsroom.porsche.com. 
The Twitter channel @PorscheRaces provides live updates from Porsche Motorsport with the latest information and photos from racetracks around the world.

Evans still second in Championship following incident laden 300th Porsche Supercup race

Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Round 5 review

The Porsche Supercup celebrated its 300th race since the championship began in 1993. The anniversary race of the international one-make cup turned out of be one of the most eventful: On the drenched Formula 1 circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Dylan Pereira survived multiple spins and slides of his colleagues as well as three safety car phases. Moreover, the Luxembourger vehemently fended off repeated attacks from his Turkish BWT Lechner Racing teammate Ayhancan Güven. Germany’s Laurin Heinrich (Nebulus Racing by Huber) rounded out the podium as the fastest rookie of the 32-strong field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.

Just metres after the start, a decisive situation unfolded in the infamous Eau Rouge passage. “I got away well at the start and was able to immediately go for Larry,” reported Pereira. On the approach to Eau Rouge he pulled alongside polesetter Larry Ten Voorde from the GP Elite team. The two cars touched slightly – sending the Dutchman into a spin. “I was on a line offering less grip and that made me slide,” Ten Voorde later admitted. While the reigning champion rejoined the race action in 13th place, Pereira took the lead.

After another vehicle spun, the race director sent a safety car out onto the track as a precautionary measure. At the restart, Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven grabbed his chance to attack the leading Pereira. He, however, defended his positions at the front. While the two 911s proceeded to pull clear from the rest of the field, Güven was unable to make another serious attempt to overtake his teammate.

Behind them, the battle for positions continued at full force – not always without contact. One of the victims was Jaxon Evans (Martinet by Alméras). After taking up the race from the third grid spot, the New Zealander, who currently ranks second in the series, was nudged into a spin by a rival – thus foiling his chances to earn points and close the gap to the overall leader Larry ten Voorde.

Meanwhile, the main protagonists in the fight for third place were Austria‘s Christopher Zöchling (FACH AUTO TECH), the two Germans Laurin Heinrich and Leon Köhler (both Nebulus Racing by Huber) as well as Max van Splunteren (Team GP Elite) from the Netherlands. The battle among this quartet was briefly interrupted by a second safety car phase caused by more spins. When the race director deployed a safety car for the third time due to a vehicle stranded in a gravel trap, Heinrich was running in third behind Pereira and Güven. Because the race ended behind the safety car, this order stayed the same. “I started from tenth place and finished on third – something like this can only happen in a wet race,” said a delighted Heinrich.

Thanks to his first victory of this season, Dylan Pereira has moved up the points standings to third place behind Larry ten Voorde and Jaxon Evans. For this, the Luxembourger also received a laurel wreath in addition to the usual trophy, as did the rookie winner Laurin Heinrich and the Monegasque Nicolas Misslin (Lechner Racing Middle East) as the best-placed ProAm driver – a fitting homage to the long and successful history of the Porsche Supercup.

“The 300th race of the Porsche Supercup was certainly one of the most exciting, a worthy anniversary. Despite the cold weather, we witnessed spirited fights for positions. My congratulations particularly to the frontrunners who treated us to some gripping racing under extremely difficult conditions,” commented Oliver Schwab, Project Manager Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Next weekend, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup will be held as part of the Dutch Grand Prix support programme from 3 to 5 September 2021. This event marks a premiere in the 28-year history of the Supercup, with the one-make cup racing for the first time in Zandvoort.

Race 5 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, 11 laps, Spa-Francorchamps (B)
1. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 32:30.673 minutes
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing); + 1.138 seconds
3. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), + 2.145 seconds
4. Christopher Zöchling (A/FACH AUTO TECH), + 3.475 seconds
5. Max van Splunteren (NL/Team GP Elite), +3.814 seconds
6. Marvin Klein (F/CLRT), + 5.139 seconds

Overall classification Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup after 5 of 8 races*
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite), 100 points
2. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Martinet by Alméras), 81 points
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing), 57 points
4. Ayhancan Güven (TR/BWT Lechner Racing), 54 points
5. Laurin Heinrich (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 53 points
6. Leon Köhler (D/Nebulus Racing by Huber), 49 points

* Full results and overall classifications:
https://motorsports.porsche.com/usa/en/article/2021/03/12/pmsc-2021-results

Porsche finish on 24 Hours of Le Mans podium

Matt Campbell and Jaxon Evans fifth in GTE-Am

Porsche has secured a podium spot in the fiercely contested GTE-Pro class at the 89th edition of the Le Mans 24-hour race. The works drivers Kévin Estre from France and Neel Jani from Switzerland as well as Denmark’s Michael Christensen achieved third place in the No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR.
The No. 91 sister car driven by Gianmaria Bruni from Italy, Richard Lietz from Austria and Frenchman Frédéric Makowiecki wrapped up round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in fourth place. The in-house fight between the two works cars for the final podium spot was decided about an hour before the flag dropped: After sliding in the last chicane, the rear of the No. 91 had to undergo repairs and a replacement of the brakes.

“Our team put in a flawless and spirited performance,” explains Fritz Enzinger, Vice President Motorsport. “Unfortunately, we lacked a bit of speed to be able to challenge the competition for class victory. The podium result for our No. 92 car is still a nice reward for the passionate work that our employees have done at the racetrack and back at our headquarters in Weissach. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement.”

The two ca. 515 PS nine-eleven from Weissach set a decent pace over long stretches of the French long-distance classic. However, due to bad luck during two safety car phases, a gap of around three minutes from the leader emerged in the first third of the race. It proved impossible to reduce this margin by performance alone over the remaining hours of the 24-hour endurance race. The background to this unfortunate occurrence for the Porsche GT Team is a distinctive feature in the running of the event in the French department of Sarthe.

Unlike other racing events, when an incident occurs at Le Mans, three safety cars are sent out onto the track at the same time. This is due to the sheer length of the circuit at 13.626 kilometres. As the result, the field is divided into three groups. If drivers are behind the same safety car as the leader, they can regain lost ground. Those who follow the second safety vehicle are immediately disadvantaged through no fault of their own, losing at least 90 seconds. This happened to the works team’s two Porsche 911 RSR twice.

“The race wasn’t only difficult, it was also disappointing for us. We had expected to fight for victory,” concludes Alexander Stehlig, Head of Operations FIA WEC. “Despite our good and systematic preparation, we didn’t have the lap-time performance and the top speed we’d hoped for compared to the competition. We’ll now take some time to analyse everything once again with the FIA and ACO to see why we weren’t quite able to match the performance of our opposition in the race.”

While the two factory-run 911 RSR thrilled spectators with their internal duels for positions three and four, the two customer cars in the GTE-Pro class had already pulled into the pits early. The No. 79 entry from WeatherTech Racing was unable to rejoin the race after an accident involving the American Cooper MacNeil early on Sunday morning. HubAuto Racing’s vehicle, which had taken up the race from pole position, retired with a technical defect shortly after sunrise.

The No. 77 car fielded by Dempsey-Proton Racing with Porsche works driver Matt Campbell (Australia), team owner Christian Ried from Germany and New Zealander Jaxon Evans finished on fifth place as the best 911 RSR in the GTE-Am category. The No. 88 sister car, which had started from pole position in this class, achieved P13. The customer squads Absolut Racing and Herberth Motorsport concluded their Le Mans debut on positions seven and ten. Several other Porsche crews had to throw in the towel early. The two vehicles fielded by Project 1 and the No. 99 car of Proton Competition had to retire. GR Racing lost a lot of ground due to lengthy repairs after an accident and finished the race in 14th.

Race results
GTE-Pro class
1. Calado/Pier Guidi/Ledogar (GB/I/F), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #51, 345 laps
2. Garcia/Taylor/Catsburg (E/USA/NL), Corvette Racing, Corvette C8.R #63, 345 laps
3. Estre/Jani/Christensen (F/CH/DK), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #92, 344 laps
4. Lietz/Bruni/Makowiecki (A/I/F), Porsche GT Team, Porsche 911 RSR #91, 343 laps
5. Serra/Molina/Bird (BR/E/GB), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #52, 331 laps
6. Milner/Tandy/Sims (USA/GB/GB), Corvette Racing, Corvette C8.R #64, 313 laps
7. Martin/Parente/D. Vanthoor (B/P/B), HubAuto Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #72, 227 laps
8. MacNeil/Bamber/L. Vanthoor (USA/NZ/B), WeatherTech Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #79, 139 laps

GTE-Am class
1. Perrodo/Nielsen/Rovera (F/DK/I), AF Corse, Ferrari 488 GTE #83, 340 laps
2. Keating/Pereira/Fraga (USA/L/BR), TF Sport, Aston Martin Vantage #33, 339 laps
3. Cressoni/Mastronardi/Illot (I/I/GB), Iron Lynx, Ferrari 488 GTE #80, 338 laps
5. Ried/Campbell/Evans (D/AUS/NZ), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #77, 335 laps
7. Haryanto/Picariello/Seefried (RI/B/D), Absolute Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #18, 332 laps Runden
10. Renauer/Ineichen/Bohn (D/CH/D), Herberth Motorsport, Porsche 911 RSR #69, 330 laps
13. Andlauer/Bastien/Arnold (F/USA/D), Dempsey-Proton Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #88, 327 laps
14. Wainwright/Barker/Gamble (GB/GB/GB), GR Racing, Porsche 911 RSR #86, 322 laps
16. Olsen/Buchardt/Foley (N/N/USA), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #46, 138 laps
21. Perfetti/Cairoli/Pera (N/I/I), Team Project 1, Porsche 911 RSR #56, 84 laps
22. Inthraphuvasak/Latorre/Tincknell (T/F/GB), Proton Competition, Porsche 911 RSR #99, 66 laps

Full results and points standings: fiawec.alkamelsystems.com