Carrera Cup introduces new Young Driver Development Programme for next season
The Porsche Carrera Cup GB will introduce a Young Driver Development Programme next season, building on the existing rookie championship.
In the past, the series has awarded a prize fund of over £50,000 to the top rookie drivers at the end of the year. But, with only a small number of new drivers joining the category for the start of this season, changes will be made for next year.
As well as the cash prizes, a range of support will be offered to new drivers to the Carrera Cup that are aged under 25 at the start of March. Michelin will offer three sets of tyres to drivers in the development programme, while drivers will receive media training and get to spend time at the Porsche Human Performance facility.
“We needed to reinvigorate the rookie championship and just devise a little programme to help with all of those other elements, to make people feel they are being supported and helped,” said Porsche GB motorsport manager James Macnaughton. “To get that deal with Michelin, that helps support the tyres, is great. All of the feedback we’ve had so far has been extremely positive.”
The series has also revealed that all eight of its events next year will be in support of British Touring Cars, the first time the Carrera Cup hasn’t featured an away round since 2013.
“We’re not saying this is how it’s going to be forever, but we just think it’s the right thing to do for next year and that’s based on feedback,” Macnaughton said. “It [an away round] does add an extra layer of cost.”