News

PCCF |

Paul Ricard

News release, October 05, 2020

After the Le Mans round, the upcoming three races at the Paul Ricard circuit, part of the French Circuits Championship, are certain to be yet another highlight of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France season.

This third round on the PCCF calendar, after Magny-Cours and Le Mans, is crucial in determining who will secure a title in the championship. The mid-season mark will have been reached after these three Paul Ricard races. Drivers and teams are well aware of the importance of a good performance with the 911 GT3 Cup car on this track, namely at the Courbe de Signes and Double Droite du Beausset. These are only two of the turns that make the Le Castellet circuit one of the most beautiful and challenging in France.

In the wake of his second win of the season, Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras) is well on his way to a third consecutive championship title, though Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (BWT Lechner Racing) is currently leading by seven points. The 19-year-old Frenchman has made remarkable progress since his first Porsche Carrera Cup France in 2018, with fourth place as best result that year. This season, Simmenauer has reached the podium at every round and is looking forward to his first overall win. To achieve that goal, he will need to triumph over drivers like Florian Latorre (CLRT), who had a difficult race at Le Mans despite scoring the pole, Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing), pushed off-track at Le Mans, and Marvin Klein (Martinet by Alméras) who has also suffered his share of setbacks this year (flat tyre at Magny-Cours, penalty at Le Mans). Adam Eteki (CLRT), the 2019 Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France winner, will be keen to capitalize on his recent performance at the Le Mans round.

Twenty-three drivers will hit the track at the Paul Ricard circuit, including Clément Mateu (Pierre Martinet by Alméras) in Pro-Am. Two-time defending champion Nicolas Misslin (BWT Lechner Racing) is still chasing his first win of the season in this category with a three-way battle against Christophe Lapierre (Sébastien Loeb Racing) and Sylvain Noël (Racing Technology) clearly on the horizon. Eclectic driver Steve Brooks (CLRT) will finally participate in Am, currently led by Emil Caumes (CLRT), though Maxence Maurice (IMSA Performance) proved particularly adept at navigating very difficult weather conditions at the Le Mans round.

See you this Saturday, October 3 at 10:40 for the 30-minute qualifying session. The races are scheduled for Saturday (15:55-16:25) and Sunday (10:15-10:45 and 15:25-15:55), and every competitor is ready to unleash his 485 horses on the Mistral straight!

PCCF |

2020 Le Mans

News release, September 19, 2020

The scene of the second round of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France season, the run-up race to 24 Hours of Le Mans, lived up to its reputation with plenty of action and excitement!

Despite being delayed from June to September due to the pandemic, the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans lost none of its unpredictability! After yesterday’s practice session, which saw Florian Latorre (CLRT) take the pole as he did in 2017, the 52 competitors hit a wet track for the only race of this second round of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France, which also counted for the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany.

The weather caused grip and visibility conditions and put drivers to the test as they took on the most famous race of the season! Seventeen-year-old Loek Hartog (Bas Koeten Racing), from the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, had the best start along with recent Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup winner Larry ten Voorde (Nebulus Racing by Huber). Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras), fourth on the starting grid, nabbed the lead from Florian Latorre in the third lap.

Whereas the battle for victory in the Porsche Carrera Cup Le Mans was limited to a three-way fight between Hartog, ten Voorde and Leon Köhler (T3/HRT Motorsport), the battle for supremacy in the Porsche Carrera Cup France saw Latorre lose ground little by little. On the other hand, Güven held his position expertly, even fighting for an overall podium despite the efforts of Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing) before the latter was spurned by an opponent. Marvin Klein, Güven’s Martinet by Alméras teammate who started from 10th position, also threatened, even taking the lead in the Mulsanne Straight in the last lap. In the end, Güven scored his second win of the season after Magny-Cours, improving his chances in the championship.

After the checkered flag, Klein received a five-second penalty for a crash earlier in the race, giving remarkable Adam Eteki (CLRT) in fifth a second place finish in the Porsche Carrera Cup France. The 2019 Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France, held at one of the most demanding circuits in the world, saw Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (BWT Lechner Racing) accompany him on the podium, after a very successful weekend (ninth in qualifying). A result that allowed the 19-year-old Frenchman to become the runner-up to Güven in the provisional national classification. Klein and American driver Jaden Conwright (Dinamic Motorsport) trailed in fourth and fifth places, respectively. Twelfth under the checkered flag, Latorre was forced to settle for sixth place ahead of Richard Wagner (BWT Lechner Racing) and 2020 Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France winner Victor Weyrich (Pierre Martinet by Alméras) adding a respectable 16th place finish to his Rookie category win against Evan Spenle (Sébastien Loeb Racing).

In Pro-Am, Sylvain Noël (Racing Technology), who made an impressive comeback last week in Magny-Cours, could do no wrong on a track that had already seen him take the overall win in 2010. Nicolas Misslin (BWT Lechner Racing), his runner-up on the starting grid, was forced to return to pit lane after a tyre puncture so the category podium was rounded out by Christophe Lapierre (Sébastien Loeb Racing) and Jérôme Boullery (Racing Technology). In Am, pole-sitter François Lansard (CLRT) triumphed ahead of Franck Leherpeur (Racing Technology) and Tugdual Rabreau (CLRT). Special mention goes to Maxence Maurice (IMSA Performance) who had an excellent showing before getting hit by another driver.

After this undeniable highlight of the season, the drivers now have a few days to recover before competing at the three races of the third round at Paul Ricard (2-4 October) within the framework of the French Circuits Championship.

Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras), Winner Porsche Carrera Cup France: “It is always a special feeling to race on this 24 Hours track, in the run-up to such an event. It was my second participation in Le Mans after 2017, the first time I drove here in the rain and I really enjoyed racing in these conditions. I am all the happier because the result allows me to take the lead in the championship before the triple meeting at Paul Ricard where we will pass the mid-season mark.”

PCCF |

Magny-Cours

News release, September 14, 2020

Güven and Latorre share in the spoils.

Top contenders Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras) and Florian Latorre (CLRT) both triumph at the first round of the 2020 season.

The first round of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France at Magny-Cours recalled 2019 when Florian Latorre (CLRT) dominated so effectively. He took both two pole positions, ahead of 2019 Rookie runner-up Marvin Klein (Martinet by Alméras) and two-time defending champion Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras). Latorre proved he is still a major contender in this 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France season.

The 23-year-old Frenchman had left everyone in the dust in Race 1 until he incurred a 15-second penalty for a false start and fell to fifth position. The top step on the podium went to Ayhancan Güven ahead of New Zealander Jaxon Evans (BWT Lechner Racing) and Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (BWT Lechner Racing). Marvin Klein was on his way to securing second place in this opening round, but a puncture to his left rear tyre one minute from the checkered flag relegated him to sixth place.

In Pro-Am, though Nicolas Misslin (BWT Lechner Racing) was seeking a third consecutive win with a third different team and had managed to score the pole, in the end Sylvain Noël (Racing Technology) made a remarkable comeback and claimed the top step on the podium ahead of Christophe Lapierre (Sébastien Loeb Racing) and Jérôme Boullery (Racing Technology). Emil Caumes (CLRT), the most experienced Am driver at the start, triumphed over Maxence Maurice (IMSA Performance) and François Lansard (CLRT).

In Race 2, Latorre showed off his skills once more on this track, leading the race from start to finish, and giving CLRT its first win in the Porsche Carrera Cup France. The team was recently created by Côme Ledogar, himself a previous winner of the Cup (2014). Latorre finished ahead of Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer, who at times dominated this weekend, and Marvin Klein, who was rewarded for his consistent presence at the head of the field. Jaxon Evans and Ayhancan Güven rounded out the top 5.

In Pro-Am, Sylvain Noël held the lead early in the race, but a small mistake opened the door for Nicolas Misslin. However, the latter eventually lost the win to Christophe Lapierre in the last minutes. Victory in the Am category went to Maxence Maurice ahead of Emil Caumes and Franck Leherpeur (Racing Technology).

The first races of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France did not disappoint, and now competitors are looking forward to the second round of the year in preamble to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Only one 45-minute race is on the programme (Saturday, 19 September at 09:15), but the drivers consider it the highlight of the season. At nearly 14 kilometers in length, this circuit is where Porsche has written some of its most beautiful motorsport chapters. There is no doubt the competitors are impatient to make the 911 GT3 Cup car’s 485 horses roar on the Mulsanne Straight and put its chassis to the test in the Porsche corners.

The race will boast 54 PCCF entrants including 29 Pro, 14 Pro-Am and 11 Am, plus competitors from the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland and Benelux. The field is so prestigious that it includes the top 9 from the 2020 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, with in order Larry ten Voorde, Dylan Pereira, Ayhancan Güven, Jaxon Evans, Florian Latorre, Max van Splunteren, Marvin Klein, Leon Köhler, and Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer. And let us not forget the participation of famous actor Michael Fassbender!

Ayhancan Güven (Martinet by Alméras), Race 1 winner
“We had a difficult qualifying session, but the race went very well after that. I moved up from third to second place, my rhythm was good but not enough to challenge for first place. At that moment, I was informed the lead car had been penalized, so I made sure to manage my car and my tyres until the finish to win. It’s always nice to start the season with a victory, these are big points for the championship.”

Florian Latorre (CLRT), Race 2 winner
“It was a rather successful weekend for us, where we showed a solid level of performance and I am happy that it has ended in victory. We deserve it because we did a nearly flawless race and it really bodes well for the future. Let’s not forget that this is CLRT’s very first win in the Porsche Carrera Cup France. It’s really great to start with six cars and to show such a level of competitiveness. Few teams can boast such a result. Now I will do everything I can to win at Le Mans and take my revenge on 2017.”

M. Meurer |

Motorsport is in our DNA

Interview, June 17, 2020

Passionate about cars and motorsport, Marc Meurer has had the privilege of managing Porsche France for the last two years. After working at Renault, Meurer joined the Volkswagen Group in 2010 as director of marketing before heading up Audi France five years later. A few weeks ahead of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France season, the President of Porsche France discussed the importance of the Cup with “Endurance-Info.”

The 2020 season will start at Magny-Cours for one of the most extraordinary rounds France has seen in recent years. Thoughts?

We are delighted and impatient to see our teams and drivers back on the track. The competition will gear up again while respecting current protocols of course. The Magny-Cours round will be a superb event with eight disciplines participating, including the Porsche Carrera Cup France. A magnificent weekend is shaping up at a circuit highly appreciated by our drivers, and we are happy to start with SRO with whom we have been working for four years.

Does this year’s condensed programme change Porsche France’s approach to preparation?

Motorsport has always been in our DNA, so we have put all our energy into performing very well in the 2020 season. We have been in regular contact with our teams and partners to make the best decisions and work together to ensure the success of this unprecedented year. Our ambition was to maintain a qualitative calendar: with five rounds (10 races) at the circuits scheduled before the pandemic, and we succeeded. Like most disciplines, we are forced into a very condensed schedule, so the championship will take place over the course of two months. We are going to organise the first three rounds, including the opening race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, within a month and a half. It will not be easy for all of us – teams, drivers and the organisation – but we are optimistic and very motivated.

Will the field be similar to what was announced before the pandemic?

We had announced an excellent grid before the arrival of the virus (32 cars for the Barcelona round and 28 season entries), but unfortunately we have received some withdrawals. Indeed, certain teams who were planning to compete in the PCCF and another Porsche championship will not be able to do both due to the calendar and budgetary constraints. On the other hand, there is also a positive side, as we are receiving new requests for commitments. The teams are doing an extraordinary job in an effort to participate despite the economic situation and busy schedules. This 2020 season will be a great one for the Porsche Carrera Cup France.

Do the competitors consider it good news the Le Mans round before the 24 Hours is still on?

It is important for us to offer our customers an exceptional race every year. The opening race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is to be the highlight of our season and we are delighted to confirm it is still happening. This race is significant for drivers, partners and teams, especially as 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s first overall victory at the legendary race. We are keen to celebrate with our competitors and demonstrate our know-how in auto racing.

Is one of your goals to attract more and more foreign teams to Cup France?

We focus on how to attract new teams and drivers to the PCCF, whether French or foreign. This goal was at the forefront for our teams during the 2019 season and is essential. In France, we are confronted with two problems: the first is the multitude of disciplines similar to each other – including budget, race format, calendar – which is challenging. The second problem is that the economic landscape of motorsport in France is more complex than in other countries. We have designed a calendar that enables us to attract French and foreign teams by visiting coveted circuits both here and internationally, while taking into account the calendar of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Côme Ledogar, previous Porsche Carrera Cup France champion, is setting up his own team. Do you consider this an indication of the value of the discipline?

Welcoming a newcomer is always satisfying, especially when you are the main program. I don’t think I’m wrong in saying that Côme has a special affinity for the Porsche Carrera Cup France. He will demonstrate that by serving as a team manager for his first season in 2020. With his undisputed experience in the Cup and other disciplines, Côme has the reputation and knowledge to be a team manager. He’s a very good ambassador for the championship and strongly believes in Porsche. He will also continue to drive in other championships. We wish him all the best in his dual roles as a driver and team manager. We also welcome two other new teams, IMSA Performance making a comeback and BWT Lechner Racing. We are delighted to have them with us.

Will the new Cup car arrive as planned in 2021? Are you considering a transition season with the current and new model?

The new generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) continues its development with the 2021 season in mind. You will have all of the information in autumn 2020.

PCCF |

New 2020 Calendar

News release , June 4th 2020

In compliance with the motorsport recovery plan presented by the FFSA, as well as governmental directives, the Porsche Carrera Cup France reveals its new calendar of five rounds (10 races), including the opening race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (17-19 September).

With an eye on the evolution of the global health crisis, the Porsche Carrera Cup France is now able to announce a calendar focused on contributing to the economic revival needed by motorsport participants. The organisation has succeeded in designing a programme that guarantees to excite racing fans, with five rounds for a total of 10 races scheduled between mid-September and early November. The calendar promises an ideal balance between top French circuits and prestigious international destinations.

The Porsche Carrera Cup France drivers will launch the season with two races at Magny-Cours (11-13 September) as part of the FFSA French Circuits Championship. The following round, the run-up to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans (September 17-19), is sure to be a highlight of the year as always. Then competitors will return to the FFSA French Circuits Championship at the Paul Ricard circuit (2-4 October) for three races and plenty of breathtaking confrontations!

The end of the season will see the 911 GT3 Cup cars cross the border of France, with a first stopover in Belgium at the mythical Spa-Francorchamps track (16-18 October) for two races integrated into the International GT Open. The Barcelona circuit (October 30-November 1), which should have hosted the opening round, will serve as the site of the final races of the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup France season.

Revised Porsche Carrera Cup France 2020 Calendar
11.09 – 13.09 | GT4 Series – Magny-Cours (Races 1 & 2)
17.09 – 19.09 | 24 Hours of Le Mans – Le Mans (Race 3)
02.10 – 04.10 | GT4 Series – Paul Ricard (Races 4 & 5 & 6)
16.10 – 18.10 | International GT Open – Spa-Francorchamps (Races 7 & 8)
30.10 – 01.11 | International GT Open – Barcelona (Races 9 & 10)