The highly anticipated 43-minute + 1 lap endurance race returns to close out an exhilarating 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season in Shanghai, marking the third and final round of an action-packed weekend. The top drivers in each class of the Endurance Challenge will receive VIP tickets to the prestigious Bathurst 12 Hours, courtesy of Porsche, offering them a unique opportunity as special guests.

The championship race is incredibly tight, with Porsche Junior driver Alessandro Ghiretti leading the pack by just 16 points ahead of Mathys Jaubert of TORO Racing. Dylan Pereira from Shanghai Yonda Team BWT is also in the mix, trailing by 32 points after securing two impressive wins in Singapore. With all three drivers having tasted victory in Malaysia’s Endurance Challenge, the competition for the title remains fierce. The winner will also earn a coveted entry to the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia at Albert Park, racing on the same weekend as the Australian Grand Prix.

In the Pro class, Martin Ragginger from Porsche Holding is still mathematically in the title hunt, showing consistent podium finishes in the last three rounds. New Zealand’s Brock Gilchrist will also make his series debut in the #84 Porsche entry, adding to the excitement.

While Pro-Am champion Bao Jinlong (Phantom Global Racing) has already secured his fifth title in Singapore, the battle for second place is heating up. Li Xuanyu (Z.SPEED Motorsport) currently holds that spot, with Li Chao (Team Betterlife) and Eric Zang (TORO Racing) close behind.

The Pro-Am class will also see some fresh faces, with former champion Lu Wei returning in the #33 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, and reigning Am-class titleholder Yang Ruoyu stepping up to Pro-Am in the #98 car.

In the Am category, the championship battle is equally intense. Eric Kwong of Bergwerk Motorsport leads by 27 points over Munkong Sathienthirakul from EBM, with both drivers alternating victories in recent rounds. Triple ACE Racing’s Henry Kwong has shown remarkable consistency this season and seems poised for third place after yet another podium finish in Singapore.

This weekend’s race will also feature new entrants, including Hu Bo for Z.SPEED Motorsport and Yan Chuang debuting in Phantom Global Racing’s #888 car. Additionally, two extra Am cars will take to the grid, with Liu Lic Ka joining Z.SPEED Motorsport and Han Songting returning for Porsche Own Retail 69 Team. These additions bring the total number of entries to match the record 29-car field from Sepang in August.

The Shanghai International Circuit, famous for hosting the Chinese Grand Prix, is set to offer a thrilling backdrop with its 5.451-kilometre track. Its long back straight and intricate Turns 1-4 promise exciting racing, as drivers aim to navigate one of the world’s most iconic circuits.

This weekend will also mark the final participation of the Technology Transfer Apprenticeship Programme (TTAP) for the season. Organized by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, the initiative has provided students with hands-on experience throughout three rounds of the series. The top-performing candidates will join the Shanghai event for one last chance to apply their skills in a live racing environment.

The Porsche Sports Cup China will also add to the weekend’s lively atmosphere, giving Porsche customers the chance to drive hot laps on the circuit and participate in a Porsche Parade, with over 200 cars expected.

Track action kicks off on Friday with Free Practice at 10:20 Malaysia time, followed by qualifying on Saturday at 09:40. Race 1 starts at 15:40, while Sunday promises double the excitement with Round 15 at 10:40 and the Endurance Cup at 15:40.

Be sure to follow Porsche Malaysia’s social media for live updates and catch the Sime Darby Racing Team in action for the final three rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2024 this weekend!