The highly anticipated 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season is set to ignite the racing scene with 24 talented drivers competing across four distinct classes. The championship’s home event at the renowned Shanghai International Circuit promises an exhilarating start to an action-packed calendar.
Earlier this month, drivers gathered at the Shanghai International Circuit for the Official Test Days, gearing up for the season opener. Among the standout performers was Dylan Pereira, the 2022 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup champion, who posted the fastest time of the weekend. Pereira will compete in the Pro class alongside Li Zhicong (610 Racing) and seven emerging talents from the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Talent Pool Presented by Michelin. Notably, Chinese driver Dylan Yip returns for his second campaign with Phantom Global Racing, carrying the hopes of the home crowd.
Phantom Global Racing’s Bao Jinlong and Bergwerk Motorsport’s Eric Kwong will return to defend their Pro-Am and Am class titles, respectively. Meanwhile, the Masters category makes its debut, catering to drivers over the age of 50. The Shanghai International Circuit has already sold out for the event, indicating an electric atmosphere as racing fans flock to see the veterans in action.
Changes in team line-ups also add to the excitement, with Francis Tjia moving to #21 OpenRoad Racing and Christian Chia stepping into the #88 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for the squad.
The Dealer Trophy will feature six entries from China-based dealers, including TORO Racing, Team Shanghai Yonda BWT, Team Betterlife, Team Jebsen, and Porsche Own Retail 69 Team. They will face tough competition from Sime Motors Racing and Porsche Team New Zealand as they battle for top honors. Team Jebsen, the 2024 Dealer Trophy winners, are marking their 70th anniversary with Porsche, showcasing a special livery on Rodrigo Dias Almedia’s #55 car.
On Friday evening, Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific will host ‘A Night with Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific’ to honor last year’s champions. The prestigious event will take place aboard a cruise on the iconic Huangpu River, celebrating the achievements of the 2024 season.
Adding to the international flair, 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia champion Alessandro Ghiretti recently competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as part of his championship prize. The Frenchman showcased his skills by scoring points in the first two races and clinching a victory in the final round.
Built in 2004 and designed around the Chinese symbol “shang,” the Shanghai International Circuit is a true challenge for drivers. The track’s 16 corners combine tight, twisting sections with high-speed straights, while the tricky Turns 1-4 and the heavy braking zone at the end of the 1.170-kilometer back straight are prime spots for overtaking.
The race weekend kicks off with practice on Friday, followed by qualifying at 09:10 local time on Saturday. Race 1 is set to begin at 16:55, with Race 2 starting at 12:00 on Sunday. Fans can catch the action live on the the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia website and follow Porsche Malaysia’s social media channels, Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
