Shanghai. It’s all systems go for the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia’s 2018 season as 27 drivers from around the world took to Shanghai International Circuit during the official test days over the weekend, registering faster lap times across the board as the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II) made its debut.

Drivers exchange top times as they set tone for 2018 season   

The determination for a strong start to the season was clear for 2017’s third place finisher Will Bamber of Earl Bamber Motorsport, who clocked the fastest time of the weekend across 5 testing sessions after achieving a 2:07.134 lap in session 5. Reflecting the increased performance of the new car - the fastest lap time during the 2017 official test days was 2:08.356.  

Building toward another spectacular showdown in the Overall class, 2017 champion Chris van der Drift of Team Formax topped the table for 2 of the sessions, with his quickest lap at 2:07.458, while last year’s runner-up Martin Ragginger clinched the fastest time in session 4 with 2:07.723.

Finishing off the test days with the early season honour of fastest lap in Pro-Am was Yuey Tan, joining for a partial season in 2018 with new team Novu Racing Team, who grabbed a blistering 2:09.346 lap time in session 1. 

New 911 GT3 Cup makes powerful first impression  

With many drivers taking the wheel of the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for the first time, initial reactions were positive, as several commented on the new car’s noticeably increased power and control.

“Obviously, there’s the same Porsche DNA in the new car, but the MK II (911 GT3 Cup Type 991 II) is a nice step forward. It already seems quicker than the test days last year. That’s really exciting for all of us and I’m looking forward to unlocking its full potential,” said Will Bamber, who returns to the series under his brother’s newly-formed, self-titled team Earl Bamber Motorsport.

Offering similar praise of the new car, Chinese driver Cui Yue of Team Jebsen said “First of all, it’s an amazing season for us with a new car to drive. It has got good handling, more horsepower – I can clearly feel the power in the new engine. It’s a big difference compared with the old car.”

Li Chao, joining with new dealer team Porsche Beijing Central & Goldenport also weighed in, saying: “Powerful, passionate, and a pleasure to drive. I think the power is the most important. We need to be more careful with the new car because with the added power the wheels degrade at a quicker speed.”  

First race alongside Formula One in April

With the season officially launched over the weekend, drivers are ready for action as they now set their sights on Round 1 alongside Formula One at Shanghai International Circuit from April 13-15. 

“It’s fantastic to see all of our drivers eager to get back out on the track. Equally exciting was seeing the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car achieve significantly faster lap times than previous years. Based on what we witnessed this weekend, this is going to an action-packed season with a strong line-up of competitive drivers. We can’t wait to get started.” Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Manager Jochen Schaefer said.