The curtain is about to rise on the 34th edition of the Porsche Carrera Cup France. The prestigious French one-design cup returns to the circuits this weekend in Barcelona, to fully launch its 2024 season. The round in Catalonia is the first of six on a calendar mixing French and European tracks.
The first two meetings will be run at the pace of the European Le Mans Series. Following this opening weekend, the PCCF will return to the ELMS paddock at Paul Ricard in early May. FFSA GT will also host Cup France at SRO Speed Week in Spa-Francorchamps (June 21-23), followed by Dijon (September 13-15). The championship will return to the European Endurance division for the final round at Mugello (September 27-29), followed by the finale at Portimao (October 17-19).
The weekend format remains unchanged, with two free practice sessions on Friday. On Saturday, qualifying (30 minutes) and race 1 (30 minutes) will be broadcast live on the Porsche France YouTube channel and the Porsche Carrera Cup France Facebook account, as will race 2 (30 minutes) on Sunday morning.
The drivers will still be at the wheel of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup type 992s, but with a brand new fuel. In a move to continue the CSR actions within Porsche and the Porsche Carrera Cup France, the championship has set up a partnership with ETS Racing Fuels. The supplier for the 2024 season produces a fuel containing 50% renewable compounds, already used by other Carrera Cups around the world.
Three Porsche Carrera Cup France Juniors and a champion are entered in 2024! Among the drivers supported by the German manufacturer, Alessandro Ghiretti is one to keep a close eye on. A newcomer to Schumacher CLRT, the 2023 runner-up became Junior Porsche Motorsport at the end of last year and is hoping to clinch the title this season. A former PCCF Junior, he joins 2024 winner Paul Cauhaupé (Schumacher CLRT) in his team. Supported by Porsche France, the young Toulousan is entered in the Rookie category with the ambition of winning it. His predecessor Mathys Jaubert enters his second year in the championship with a new team, Martinet by Alméras.
Two-time PCCF champion Marvin Klein (2021 and 2022) has set himself a new challenge with ABM, alongside his commitment to Porsche Carrera Cup Germany and Italy. Another two-time winner, Jérôme Boullery (Racing Technology), is aiming for another Pro-Am crown. Finally, Benjamin Paque (TFT Racing), 2023 Rookie champion, will be aiming to win the championship with his new team.
Marlon Hernandez (Martinet/Forestier Racing), Louis Rousset (Martinet/Forestier Racing), Fernando Monje (Martinet by Alméras) and Louis Perrot (CLRT Schumacher) are ready to fight for their first title.
Newcomers to Porsche, Victor Bernier (Martinet by Alméras) and Marcus Amand (Schumacher CLRT) will have a great card to play in the Rookie class, as they attempt to join the fight for the overall title.
The battle in Pro-Am and Am is likely to liven up the heart of the field right from the opening round. Categories in which some drivers are making a comeback, such as Marc Guillot, who has joined the ranks of the ABM team, as has Gilles Colombani. But there are also new drivers returning, like Jérémie Lesoudier (TFT Racing) or making their debut, like Jean-Philippe Lamic (TFT Racing), Cyril Caillo (Racing Technology) or Eric Debard and his team, Debard Automobiles by Racetivity.