The 19-year-old Briton who sensationally won the US Open in 2021 to become the first ever qualifier to triumph at a Grand Slam tournament, has been a motorsports fan and admirer of Porsche since childhood. She became a Porsche Brand Ambassador in March 2022 and after the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, one of her first appointments took her to Brands Hatch in May for a Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain race. At her local track, she met drivers and engineers who gave her an insight into the design and technology of the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars deployed in the popular single marque series.
By visiting the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone, which sits next to the world-famous Grand Prix circuit, Emma Raducanu has now fulfilled another of her greatest dreams. Backed by the experience of having to adapt quickly to a variety of playing surfaces on the worldwide WTA Tour, the changing grip levels of the specialist tracks of the Porsche Experience Centre unfazed the Grand Slam winner as she acquainted herself with the Porsche 911 Carrera S. With guidance and advice from a Porsche Driving Consultant on hand, Emma Raducanu explored the dynamic capability of the 331 kW (450 PS; 911 Carrera S: consumo carburante combinato (WLTP) 11,1 – 10,1 l/100 km, emissioni CO₂ combinato (WLTP) 251 – 229 g/km) sports car in wet and dry conditions, including testing her reactions on the special surfaces that simulate ice and snow driving.
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“I found the track really good. It was a lot of fun for me. The performance of the 911 is obviously strong but the power delivery is progressive, so I was able to build up confidence quickly. Over the laps, you can anticipate the car’s reactions more, and I could get into a rhythm,” said Emma Raducanu. “It is like playing a tennis match; learning where to push and how to work with the car to get the best results. My instructor Graham gave me lots of good advice. I learned a lot and am already looking forward to coming back.”
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A further highlight of the day was the opportunity for her to join fellow Porsche Brand Ambassador Mark Webber on track for a few laps. First, she was a passenger alongside the 2015 World Endurance Champion and then the nine-time GP winner and the tennis ace swapped seats, and afterwards the two champs swapped notes on driving styles.
“I have met many top sportspeople and their focus and determination to be the best they can be is always crystal clear,” said Mark Webber afterwards. “Those qualities were plain to see when Emma drove me in the 911 today, the same grit you see on the tennis court!” The encounter was also special for Emma Raducanu: “It was great to meet Mark and get some insight both to winning with Porsche at the top level and his own dedication to personal fitness,” she added. “I look forward to driving with him again!”
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The programme enjoyed by Emma Raducanu at Silverstone is included as part of every customer’s purchase of a new Porsche in the UK, while each of the nine worldwide Porsche Experience Centres offers a range of courses to anyone who wishes to further develop their skills behind the steering wheel, under the guidance of an experienced Porsche instructor.
As preparation for the US Open Emma Raducanu will participate in next week’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. Porsche is the official car partner of the prestigious WTA1000 event.
