A former Method 1 race monitor, 4 911 GT3 Cup automobiles and a dozen exceptionally gifted younger drivers from the worldwide Porsche one make collection world: the Porsche Junior shootout for the 2026 season has as soon as once more revealed an exceptionally excessive stage of driving high quality. Over two days on the 4.182-kilometre circuit in Estoril, the candidates accomplished 750 laps, masking a complete distance of three,136,5 kilometres. Regardless of generally very changeable climate situations, the younger drivers, aged between 18 and 23, didn’t make any vital errors within the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup.
On the Portuguese monitor not removed from Lisbon, the junior contenders simulated the schedule of a Carrera Cup weekend with observe periods, a qualifying and a race distance. All contributors took to the circuit with an identical tools and below largely comparable situations.
“For us, the main focus was on guaranteeing the best potential equality of alternative: it is not the exterior situations that ought to make the distinction, however the candidates themselves,” emphasises Sascha Maassen. The previous Porsche manufacturing facility driver is a member of the choice jury and acts as a coach to the Porsche Junior throughout race weekends. “We take this accountability very critically and, for instance, compensate for weight benefits and drawbacks so far as potential. Quick lap occasions and probably the most error-free efficiency potential with the 911 GT3 Cup on the monitor naturally play an vital position. However for us, it is also vital how the contributors work with the engineers, what suggestions they provide on the automobile, how succesful they’re of studying and the way a lot they’ll encourage a workforce.”
The candidates had beforehand been given the inexperienced mild to take part within the choice course of on the Porsche Esport Efficiency Centre (PEPC) in Cologne, the headquarters of the Porsche Coanda Esports Racing manufacturing facility workforce. Right here, they underwent medical checks to evaluate their bodily health, response pace and talent to pay attention. Via complete interviews, a few of which happened in entrance of a TV digicam, the judges additionally gained an impression of the contributors’ primary character traits. In depth sim racing periods rounded off the day – preparation within the simulator has lengthy been a compulsory process for skilled racing drivers.
New Porsche Junior to be introduced on 29 November
Within the coming days, a panel of consultants from Porsche Motorsport will resolve on the allocation of the in depth help package deal for the 2026 season. The sports activities automobile producer plans to announce the brand new Porsche Junior on 29 November in the course of the Night time of Champions. He can count on a grant of as much as €225,000 for taking part within the eight races of subsequent yr’s Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. On the similar time, the brand new junior driver may even compete in one of many twelve Carrera Cups organised by the sports activities automobile producer world wide, from Asia and Australia to Brazil and North America.
Much more vital than the monetary contribution is the great coaching and additional training that the chosen candidate receives at Porsche Motorsport. It covers all related features of an expert profession: from technical understanding to working effectively with race engineers, psychological coaching and media seminars to PR appointments and advertising and marketing actions. Sports activities physicians present complete help for all features of their bodily well being.
“With the Junior Programme, Porsche has been selling rising racing abilities on their technique to changing into professionals since 1997,” explains Jasmin Steidle-Faas, Porsche Junior Programme Organisation. “In 2026, our junior driver will as soon as once more compete within the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, the spearhead of our 35 one-make cup collection worldwide. On the similar time, he’ll obtain particular person help tailor-made to his wants. Collectively, we need to uncover and exploit his potential for enchancment – on the finish of the day, the Porsche junior ought to be capable of make the very best use of his expertise.”
Intensive junior growth begins at nationwide stage
Porsche’s in depth help and coaching of gifted younger drivers begins at nationwide and regional stage. Quite a few one-make cups organised by the sports activities automobile model have established profitable junior programmes in recent times. These type the premise on which Porsche’s junior growth programme is constructed.
The Porsche Junior candidates at a look
Marcus Amand (Finland, 19 years outdated) – PCC France
Matheus de Barros Comparatto (Brazil, 18 years outdated) – PCC Brazil
Paul Cauhaupé (France, 20 years outdated) – wild card (PCC France)
Bayley Corridor (Australia, 22 years outdated) – PCC Australia
Sam Jongejan (Netherlands, 20 years outdated) – PCC Benelux
William Martin (Nice Britain, 22 years outdated) – PCC Nice Britain
Flynt Schuring (Netherlands, 19 years outdated) – PSCC Germany
William Siverholm (Sweden, 20 years outdated) – PCC Scandinavia
Janne Stiak (Germany, 18 years outdated) – PCC Center East
Alexander Tauscher (Germany, 23 years outdated) – PCC Italia
Enzo Trulli (Italy, 20 years outdated) – PCC Asia
Zachary Vanier (Canada, 23 years outdated) – PCC North America
PCC = Porsche Carrera Cup
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