Porsche Korea will host the 3rd and 4th rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do, on the 3rd and 4th, marking the first time since 2015 that this series has returned.
Holger Gehrmann, the representative of Porsche Korea, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am truly excited that the ‘Porsche Carrera Cup Asia,’ which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, will return to Korea’s international circuit after eight years. I hope that through the dynamic races of our drivers, more people can experience the charm of Porsche’s hallmark one-make racing series and that interest in motorsports can grow even further.”
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia was first held eight years ago at Korea’s first racing circuit in 2015, and at that time, Chris van der Drift dominated both races and secured his first victory in the Carrera Cup Asia Championship, where he would go on to win the championship three times. Returning to the series this year, van der Drift is currently ranked second in the championship and hopes to win once again.
The Korea International Circuit was designed by legendary track designer Hermann Tilke. Inspired by street racing circuits, the course features a total of 18 corners and winding sections that curve back and forth, providing the exhilarating feel of high-speed urban driving. The long straight between corners 2 and 3 offers ample space to gain speed.
This round features world-class drivers competing. The 20th anniversary season of the Carrera Cup Asia is expected to showcase thrilling battles between veteran drivers and newcomers who have made a mark during the pandemic period.
Currently leading the first two rounds of the season is rookie driver Luoa Kailuoda from the Toro Racing team. The Chinese driver Kailuoda made his series debut in 2022 and finished the season in second place after reaching the podium multiple times.
With the goal of winning this year’s championship, Luoa Kailuoda returned to the series and performed almost flawlessly in the opening round, achieving two victories to take the lead. Following in joint second place are Chris van der Drift from the Shanghai Yongda team and Florian Latore from Maydong Racing, who made his series debut this year.
In the Pro-Am category, Zhou Bihuang from Porsche Beijing Central & Golden Port is in the lead. Zhou made his series debut in 2021 and finished third in the Pro-Am Championship, and he is now competing in his third consecutive season in the Carrera Cup Asia. Following Zhou is Eric Zhang from Toro Racing, who joined the series this year after building his skills in the Porsche Sports Cup China over several seasons. The third place in the Pro-Am category is Bao Jinlong, who was a three-time consecutive Pro-Am champion. Last season, Jinlong narrowly missed out on the title, and he has returned this season with renewed determination to reclaim it.
The competition in the AM category is already fierce. Rising star Yang Luoyu from the BD Group is in first place, while Eric Kuang from the Kidiworld Racing team, who was the 2021 AM category champion and second place in 2022, ranks second. Eric is a veteran with extensive experience in the Carrera Cup Asia.
In the Porsche Dealer Trophy standings, Toro Racing is comfortably in first place thanks to Luoa Kailuoda’s two victories, which earned them 50 points. Shanghai Yongda is in second place with 37 points from Chris van der Drift’s exploits in the season opener, while Maydong Racing holds third with 34 points from Florian Latore’s impressive series debut.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia is supported by internationally renowned brands such as Mobil 1, Michelin, Hugo Boss, and TAG Heuer. Mobil 1 has been in partnership with Porsche since 1996. Through close collaboration in research and development, all new Porsche engines are filled with Mobil 1’s high-performance lubricants. Porsche Carrera Cup Asia drivers will benefit from the state-of-the-art tires supplied by Michelin, our series partner. The consistent performance and leading technology of Michelin tires continue to enhance the performance of many teams in international motorsports.
Michelin’s partnership with the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia began with a global agreement between Porsche AG and the Michelin Group. Hugo Boss serves as the official apparel partner, providing clothing that Porsche motorsport teams around the world can wear at the race track and in the workshop. TAG Heuer, as the official timekeeper and the series’ watch partner, has built a long-standing partnership that has spanned all areas of sports since the early 20th century. This relationship has thrived, especially in Formula E and esports, where Porsche and TAG Heuer have achieved great results together. The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia is hosted by Top Speed Shanghai.
Celebrating its 20th season this year, the ‘Porsche Carrera Cup Asia’ has steadily grown since its inception in 2003. Establishing itself as Porsche’s flagship one-make racing series, it now maintains a solid status as one of the best racing series in Asia.
The ‘Porsche Carrera Cup Asia’ delivers top-level sports competition in Asia. This international event features participants not only from throughout Asia but also from Europe and the Pacific region, composed of professional racing drivers as well as ambitious and promising newcomers.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr