Confirmations and announcements for the 15th season of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB
An unprecedented level of early registrations following the 2016 season saw the majority of the grid confirmed before the year’s end, but the 2017 pre-season still has a few surprises of its own.
Drivers and Teams
Heading to the championship from the BTCC is Welch Motorsport. In parallel to any BTCC activities, the team will be supporting Matt Telling as he takes on his first season competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. Entered in both Pro-Am2 and Rookie categories, Telling has some experience of the ‘Type 991’ 911 GT3 Cup from endurance races, but he and Welch Motorsport will be making the most of pre-season testing.
After four seasons and seven wins, front-runner Stephen Jelley recently announced a return to the British Touring Car Championship after moving from the BTCC to Porsche Carrera Cup GB in 2010. Jelley will be trading places with Alex Martin, who returns to Porsche Carrera Cup GB alongside father Rupert at Team Parker Racing. Alex had his first taste of the championship driving a ‘Type 997’ 911 GT3 Cup back in 2009, but he and father Rupert, himself a veteran of two seasons, have never raced in the championship together.
Photo: James Lipman / jameslipman.com (c) porsche.co.uk
Alex explains: “After two memorable but frustrating seasons in the BTCC, I’m genuinely happy to be returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. I never quite adapted to the front-wheel drive Focus and felt unable to push myself and the car to the edge required in such a competitive championship. So onwards and upwards to Porsche!“
For 2017, company director Alex will compete in the Pro-Am1 category, while Rupert stays in Pro-Am2. Alex continues: “I drove my dad’s car after the end of last season and loved it straight away. So much so that at the end of a long day in the car I got out, smiling from ear to ear, and Stuart Parker [team manager] said, “there are 10 minutes left before the circuit shuts”, so rather than calling it a day I jumped straight back in to do a few more laps – what a machine!
“2017 for me is about rediscovering my love for racing. It’s easy to get caught up in all the hype and media, but at the end of the day I race for three reasons: the love of competition, the cars and, most of all, fun! I can’t wait to get stuck in as 2017 is going to be a lot of fun.”
Indications are that there will be more to come before the first race weekend at Brands Hatch on 1 / 2 April.
2017 Photographer
Porsche Carrera Cup GB is pleased to announce that Dan Bathie, the Renault MSA Young Photographer of the Year 2016, will be covering the championship at all the core rounds as well as at special events. Bathie, aged 25 from Derbyshire, scooped the award after his entry impressed the panel of judges through a combination of technical excellence with artistry that showcased a variety of motorsport disciplines at both national and international levels.
Bathie said of the appointment: “It’s a huge honour to be working with such a prestigious manufacturer and championship. When I was just getting into photography, the Porsche Carrera Cup GB was actually one of the first races I took my camera to, so to be their photographer is a huge career goal for me.
“I’m just excited to get started now, the calendar goes to some fantastic UK circuits as well as the iconic Circuit de la Sarthe, which is always a special track to photograph. I hope to show the championship, the drivers and teams at their best.”
James MacNaughton, Motorsport Manager, Porsche Cars GB, commented: “We always have a focus on supporting our teams, drivers and partners with the best photography we can. Over the years we’re fortunate to have worked with some amazing photographers, so we’re delighted to have Dan on board to carry that forward.
“His record already speaks for itself, but the fact he’s a similar age to many of our drivers this season could result in an interesting re-interpretation of what we produce. The championship has such a diverse and evolving range of requirements for imagery that sometimes it’s good to take a fresh look.”
Bathie’s first event with the championship will be at the Media Day.
Media Day
The first official event of 2017 will be Media Day, held at Silverstone’s National circuit on Monday 13 March. All full grid of teams and drivers will take part in a day of testing, interviews, filming and photography. Full details including a timetable will be sent ahead, with 2017 information packs available on the day or in advance by request. Please contact rob.durrant@porsche.co.uk if you wish to be added to the mailing list or would like further information.
Neil Simmons
Twitter: @world_racing