Current Press releases
Four Porsche Drivers Set to Storm Macau for 2019 FIA GT World CupPorsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Runs Four Cars at 2019 FIA GT World Cup
Shanghai/Stuttgart. During a packed motorsport weekend at Shanghai International Circuit on 8 November, before the WEC 4 Hours of Shanghai and the finale of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2019, the head of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Alexandre Gibot held a special press conference alongside three world class GT drivers to set out their plans for the upcoming 2019 FIA GT World Cup, which will be held in Macau on 17 November.
The Legendary Macau Guia Circuit
The 6.115-kilometre-long Guia Circuit in the former Portuguese colony of Macau is regarded as one of the most challenging racetracks in the world. The long straights, fast bends and spectacular passages such as the Lisboa corner are renowned far beyond the borders of China. Another feature of the circuit in Asia’s gambling paradise: the tight Melco Hairpin right-hander is under permanent yellow with a strict ban on overtaking in all practice sessions as well as the race. Car and motorbike races have been held on the streets of Macau – sections of which are just seven metres wide – every year since 1954. The FIA GT World Cup has been a regular fixture at the Macau Grand Prix weekend since 2015. Unlike at many other events, the grid spots are determined in a qualifying race held on 16 November.
A Stunning Selection of Drivers
Porsche has drawn from its deep pool of world-class GT drivers to field an incredibly talented line up with four 911 GT3 R on the track. Porsche customers Rowe Racing will be fielding Porsche Works drivers Earl Bamber and Laurens Vanthoor. Bamber is a double 24 hours of Le Mans winner, while Vanthoor is a previous winner of the Macau GT World Cup, having beaten his current team mate Bamber in that 2016 race after flipping his car and sliding along the road upside down. Porsche’s Asian customer Absolute Racing will be fielding Porsche Works driver and reigning WEC GT Pro champion Kévin Estre and Absolute Racing driver Alexandre Imperatori.
Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific
The press conference saw Bamber, Estre and Imperatori all joining Gibot on stage for a media Q&A covering the journey of a Porsche Works driver, Porsche Carrera Cup championship wins and the Macau GT World Cup itself. Alexandre Gibot detailed the phenomenal year that Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific has had, with victories at the Bathurst 12 Hours and the Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia Pro-Am championship where Porsche also clinched the team championship, as well as fielding two cars in 24 Hours of Spa, four cars at 10 Hours of Suzuka with a great podium finish for Absolute Racing, another thrilling season of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia and much more.
Quotes
Alexandre Gibot, Head of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific: “This is one of the last big trophies Porsche has yet to add to its cabinet. We have four incredible drivers, we have a great package car and team, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how our drivers tackle this challenging circuit.”
Kévin Estre (Porsche 911 GT3 R, Absolute Racing): “Macau is one of my all-time favourite venues to go racing. For me, the circuit is in the same league as the Nordschleife and the Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst. After a two-year break, I’m finally returning to the Guia Circuit. I’m super excited. I haven’t driven for Absolute Racing yet, but I’m very familiar with the Porsche 911 GT3 R. Our car has notched up a raft of successes around the world, and I hope to add another accolade to the list in Macau.”
Earl Bamber (Porsche 911 GT3 R, Rowe Racing): “I love racing on this circuit, it’s incredibly tight, incredibly difficult and incredibly fun! Macau is a gambler’s paradise, and I’m hoping I’ll get a bit of that luck rubbing off on me so I can avoid going into the walls. Last year I raced a good race, but there are so few opportunities to overtake that this year we’re really hoping for a better grid position. I’ve got Laurens Vamthoor alongside me also racing for Rowe Racing, so between the two of us I feel there’s a strong chance we’ll bring home some glory.”
Alexandre Imperatori (911 GT3 R, Absolute Racing): “I’ve had a fantastic season so far racing with Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, and it’s a great honour to enter the Macau GT World Cup. The GT3 R is a magnificent machine and I can’t wait to put the car through its paces in Macau.”
11/8/2019
Further information and pictures for journalists and media representatives can be found on the Porsche press database at http://presse.porsche.de/.