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.