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PCCF | Jaubert takes his first victory

The second round of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup France season lived up to all its promises at Paul Ricard. The star of the Barcelona weekend, Alessandro Ghiretti, immediately set the tone in qualifying. By a margin of 26 thousandths of a second, the Schumacher CLRT driver claimed both pole positions. On Saturday afternoon, the Junior Porsche Motorsport 2024 took advantage of its grid position to win Race 1. Despite having to deal with a safety car restart caused by Louis Perrot (CLRT Schumacher) rolling over, and having to give his rivals an important tow on the Mistral’s interminable straight, the championship leader triumphed for the third time in a row. Mathys Jaubert (Martinet by Alméras) finished second. The top-3 was completed by a rookie! Marcus Amand (Schumacher CLRT), eighth at the start, took the overall podium on his third PCCF start after a smart and well-managed race. The former single-seater driver also won his class ahead of Paul Cauhaupé (Schumacher CLRT) and the young Belgian Kobe Pauwels (SpeedLover), who was a guest driver at this second round of the championship. The latter took advantage of the disqualification of Victor Bernier (Martinet by Alméras) for failing to comply with the tyre regulations.

Once again side by side on the front row in race 2, Alessandro Ghiretti and Mathys Jaubert went head to head on the track. At the early stages of the race, the PCCF 2023 Junior got the better of his rival in the final bend. The two then engaged in a constant battle, with the Schumacher CLRT driver constantly attacking to push the leader into error. A little too aggressive, he went off the track several times and was given a five-second penalty. Warned by his team, Mathys Jaubert gave the lead back to his runner-up and then followed his pace to stay in the right window. It was a strategy that paid off, as it enabled the Martinet by Alméras driver to claim his first win in the category. After 3 podium finishes this year, without ever reaching the top step, last season’s PCCF Junior finally heard the Marseillaise ring out in his honour. Philippe Alméras’ men even scored a one-two thanks to a fine performance from Victor Bernier. Battling throughout the race with Paul Cauhaupé and Benjamin Paque (TFT Racing), the N°17 also discovered the joys of a first overall podium. At the same time, he claimed a third rookie victory ahead of Marcus Amand and Kobe Pauwels.

In Pro-Am, the most consistent driver is Jérémie Lesoudier. Although he didn’t win, the TFT Racing driver finished second twice. The other entrants had mixed fortunes. Marc Guillot (ABM) and Jérôme Boullery (Racing Technology) won one race and retired from the other, both due to radiator failure. Eric Debard dominated the Am category. Pole positions went to Cyril Caillo (Racing Technology) but the Debard Automobiles by Racetivity driver won both races, his first victories in the championship. Jean-Philippe Gambaro (Schumacher CLRT), Jordan Boisson (TFT Racing) and Cyril Caillo took it in turns to finish in the top-3.

After the South of France, the PCCF paddock will be in the Belgian Ardennes, at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit from 21 to 23 June.

PCCF | Ghiretti starts with a perfect record

The opening round of the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup France season took place on the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, setting the tone for a promising year full of surprises. The battle for the title has already begun, and one driver is the man to beat. Double poleman, winner of both races and author of two fastest race laps, Alessandro Ghiretti left his mark on this first meeting. The new Schumacher CLRT driver added two more to his list of achievements at the circuit which saw him claim his first PCCF successes last year. Alessandro Ghiretti started from the front in Race 1, ahead of Mathys Jaubert (Martinet by Alméras), who finished on the second step of the podium. Louis Perrot, who also joined CLRT Schumacher this winter, started his new adventure with a podium finish. Victor Bernier, who had been battling it out with two-time champion Marvin Klein (ABM) for a long time, began his GT career with a fine top-five finish and a victory in the Rookie category. Marcus Amand (Schumacher CLRT) and Junior Porsche Carrera Cup France 2024 driver Paul Cauhaupé (Schumacher CLRT) rounded off the top-3 in the class.

The following day, Alessandro Ghiretti was back on the top of the grid. The Junior Porsche Motorsport 2024 was hoping to repeat the success of the previous day by opening up an unbridgeable gap to his pursuers. However, Mathys Jaubert thwarted his plans by coming up on the outside of the poleman during the first braking manoeuvre. He emerged from the first series of corners in the lead of the race, but having passed through the escape route following contact, leading to turn three. This manoeuvre forced him to give up his position to his rival. While waiting for the Martinet by Alméras driver to make his move, Alessandro Ghiretti tried to attack him, putting in some fine passing moves at the start of the race. Once back in the lead, the N°11 took off for another victory. The battle continued between Mathys Jaubert and Louis Perrot. The latter came out on top and finished second, giving Schumacher CLRT a one-two finish. Marvin Klein (ABM) finished fourth ahead of Victor Bernier. The Martinet by Alméras rookie also won his second Rookie title.

The Pro-Am category was entirely dominated by Marc Guillot. Having joined ABM in the off-season, the reigning vice-champion found his rival from last year: Jérôme Boullery (Racing Technology). The two-time defending champion had to make do with second place. Jérémie Lesoudier (TFT Racing) occupied the last steps of the podium in Barcelona. In the Am, the laurels promised to the winner went to Cyril Caillo (Racing Technology). After taking part in last year’s Porsche Sprint Challenge France, he made his PCCF debut with two solid victories. The second round of the season will take place on the Paul Ricard circuit in the Var from May 3 to 5. It’s an opportunity for the Barcelona winners to follow up their successes, and for the others to confirm the fine promise they showed during the Catalan weekend.

PCCF | Porsche Carrera Cup France continues its CSR drive with ETS Racing Fuels

Porsche Carrera Cup France has selected the Renewablaze fuel range from ETS Racing Fuels to power the GT3 Cup cars in the 2024 season, which starts this weekend in Barcelona. 20 cars will start on the grid with a new fuel containing 50% sustainable materials which has been successfully tested and validated at the headquarters of Porsche Motorsport AG. A ready-to-use solution that is safe and easy to use, offering a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and helping to significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint of the series, which is committed to following the path of sustainability and showing how motor sport can be a pioneer in the validation and use of ecological solutions adaptable to all.

Renewablaze 102 R50: The ETS Racing Fuels brand is recognised as the expert fuel development partner for the racing industry. Renewablaze 102 R50 offers a true low carbon footprint solution without compromising on performance. This innovative racing fuel is produced from several different sources of sustainable biomass and is made up of 50% biogenic components. This equates to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to an equivalent all fossil fuel super unleaded fuel. Renewablaze 102 R50 complies with the FIA’s sustainable fuels regulations and can be used as a ready-to-use solution.

TChristophe Servens, Head of Product & Motorsport at Porsche France: “For 34 years, the Carrera Cup France has been a concentrate of innovation. This unique approach is a real motivation for all the teams, so it was only natural to join forces with the ETS Racing Fuels teams. We are delighted to be starting this new partnership and to be moving forward together with a shared vision. The implementation of this new fuel is one of the components of our CSR strategy, which will continue to evolve over the coming seasons. Over and above the technology, this new fuel will also contribute to enhanced performance in order to offer our Teams, Drivers and Customers the best of shows.”

The ETS Racing Fuels brand is recognized as the expert fuel development partner for the racing industry. The premium technologies and services in the field of performance and racing fuels used in motorbikes, cars and water sport vehicles. The fuels are designed in close co-operation with leading engine manufacturers and race teams, in order to meet and exceed all the challenges, which come with world-wide racing and regulations. The sustainable Renewablaze portfolio is made from sustainable components and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the motorsport industry. ETS Racing Fuels is a brand of HCS Group, a leading international supplier of solutions for high-value hydrocarbon specialties.

PCCF | 20 911 GT3 Cup cars take on the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup France season

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.

PCCF | Safe bets and comebacks, a diverse and exciting calendar

As we reflect on 2023, the focus is already on 2024. With four European destinations and two events in France, the Porsche Carrera Cup France calendar mirrors the championship: thrilling and spectacular. From Barcelona to Portimao, through Paul Ricard or Spa-Francorchamps, the drivers will have exciting playgrounds to compete on.

To endure over time, one must evolve while retaining certain landmarks. The 34th season of the Porsche Carrera Cup France will begin, as always, with official tests. On March 12, participants will not gather at Magny-Cours (Nièvre) but on the Paul Ricard circuit (Var). At Le Castellet, drivers will hit the track to prepare for the opening round.

For the second year in a row, the season will kick off in Catalonia (April 12-14). The Barcelona circuit, the stage for two splendid races filled with battles in all categories, has secured a prominent place in the calendar.

The PCCF will return to the European Endurance Championship paddock a few weeks later at Paul Ricard (May 3-5). In 2024, Le Castellet will not host the finale but the second round of the season.

The third meeting will take place at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) during the SRO Speed Week from June 21 to 23. On the Ardennes rollercoaster, drivers will face a true challenge. Over more than seven kilometers, high speeds and legendary turns will unfold: La Source, Eau Rouge, Le Raidillon, Les Combes, Blanchimont – each with its own story, making this place a mythical location in motorsports. At the end of the last race in Belgium, the first part of the 2024 campaign will be concluded, and the summer break will give way to the Porsche Supercup.

From September 13 to 15, the PCCF will return at Dijon (Bourgogne). The French championships will be celebrated with the FFSA GT4 France. Absent since 2018, the Dijon-Prenois circuit makes a comeback to the calendar.

The end of the season will follow the rhythm of the ELMS. A decade after its last visit, the Cup France goes to Mugello (September 27-29). Since 2013, the French division had not visited the Tuscan track.

Portimao (Portugal) will be the final date on the 2024 program. The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve had already hosted the PCCF finale in 2021. That year, several titles were decided in the last race, some even at a photo finish. With the championship always fiercely contested, it’s a safe bet that the 34th season of the Porsche Carrera Cup France will deliver its verdict at the end of this ultimate meeting on the Portuguese track.