This weekend signals the start for the Mobil 1 Supercup season as the Formula 1 circus rolls in to Bahrain. With 25 drivers on the grid and the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car on the grid the two twelve-lap sprint races will certainly be interesting.
“We have several new teams joining our regular squads to compete this year. This is a promising sign in not such easy times,” says Jens Walter, head of Porsche makes cups. He is also extremely pleased with the driver line-up. “As far as drivers are concerned, we haven't seen such a strong grid in years.”
Jeroen Bleekemolen will be looking to defend his title as he switches to a new team, Al Faisal Lechner Racing, alongside his 2009 title rival René Rast. Last season saw the two go head-to-head with Rast scoring six victories over the season, one more that Bleekemolen. Unfortunately for Rast the Dutchman put in consistent performances which saw him on the podium at all thirteen rounds, taking the title on the way.
Stefan Rosina is back with Lechner Racing after a strong 2009, Supercup legend Patrick Huisman returns once again with Konrad Motorsport. Sascha Massan joins the Abu Dhabi by tolimit team after spending time as a Porsche works driver in the American Le Mans series, taking his class title along with wins at Le Mans and Sebring.
Porsche Carrera Cup GB 2009 Champion Tim Bridgman joins the grid after securing a last minute deal with Schnabl Engineering Team Parker Racing. The Englishman will be joined by Niall Breen who recently took part in the Porsche Motorsport Talent programme and selected for his drive after a strong showing at the Vallelunga test.
The 2010 season takes place over ten rounds that shadow the Formula 1 season, racing on the same circuits as Schumacher, Alonso, Hamilton and Button will be, the only difference being the Supercup drivers will be in a 450hp Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.
Porsche Mobil1 Supercup – 2010 Calendar
13/14 March: Sakhir/Bahrain
09 May: Barcelona, Spain
16 May: Monte Carlo, Monaco
27 June: Valencia, Spain
11 July: Silverstone, Great Britain
25 July: Hockenheim, Germany
01 August: Budapest, Hungary
29 August: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
12 September: Monza, Italy