But it all depends on the performance of the individual competitors in this tradition-steeped brand trophy series. Their race car is the 911 GT3 Cup – a near-standard, 460 hp sports car powered by the characteristic 3.8-litre, flat-six engine in the rear. Pitting themselves against a few seasoned veterans, many talented young hopefuls are eager to step into the limelight in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.

Amongst the experienced pilots are Michael Ammermüller (Lechner Racing Middle East) and Christian Engelhart (MRS GT-Racing) from Germany, last year’s runner-up Kuba Giermaziak (PL/Verva Lechner Racing Team), and Robert Lukas (PL/Förch Racing by Lukas Motorsport). Most of the competitors come well prepared from the 20 Porsche one-make series around the world. Philipp Eng (D/Team Project 1) competes as the winner of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, Porsche Junior Matteo Cairoli (I/Team Project 1) clinched championship honours in the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia, and Côme Ledogar (F/Martinet by Almeras) won the Porsche Carrera Cup France.

Number of races is increasing from nine to eleven

With the number of races increasing from nine to eleven this season, the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is more attractive than ever: Nine races are held at seven European events – with Spa and Monza hosting a double-header. Two races will also be contested at the final race weekend in America at Austin/Texas.

That the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is an ideal launching pad into professional motor racing was underlined once again last year. New Zealander Earl Bamber contested his first full Supercup season as the winner of the Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship, promptly clinched overall victory, and was signed on as a Porsche works driver. Ultimately, this is something his successor, Porsche Junior Matteo Cairoli, as well as the Porsche Juniors Connor de Phillippi (USA/Verva Lechner Racing Team) and Sven Müller (D/Lechner Racing Middle East) are keen to emulate. Porsche supports each of these talented youngsters by providing funding of 200,000 Euro as well as extensive mentoring on and off the race circuit.