Harry King kicked off his challenge for the 2024 Mobil 1 Porsche Supercup title with a solid second place as the new campaign got underway at Imola.

Harry went into the opening weekend of action amongst the favourites to battle for top honourshaving re-signed for a third season with the BWT Lechner Racing team, and having kicked off his racing season with two wins from four in the opening meetings of Carrera Cup Deutschland.

Returning to a circuit where he has finished in third place on his previous Supercup visit back in 2022, Harry kicked off his weekend with second place in free practice, setting a best lap that was just 0.084s off the best set by defending champion Larry ten Voorde.

The pair then secured the first two places on the grid during Saturday’s qualifying session, with Harry lining up in second place alongside ten Voorde for the start.

When the lights went out, ten Voorde appeared to bog down which allowed Harry to draw alongside on the run to Tamburello for the first time. However, with the Briton on the outside line, ten Voorde was able to maintain position, with Harry slotting in behind before the safety car was deployed following a clash further down the field.

The action resumed on lap three, with ten Voorde backing Harry into the cars behind before launching for the restart, with Harry forced to defend second from Marvin Klein.

At one stage setting the fastest lap of the race, Harry showed his skills as he worked to keep his rival behind, placing his car on the ideal line lap after lap to retain position ahead of the Schumacher CLRT driver.

Even when team-mate Robert de Haan dropped away from the duo to leave Klein clear to focus on trying to to launch a move on Harry for second spot, the BRDC Superstar racer continued to produce a fine defensive masterclass to hold station in position and kick off his title challenge with second place and a solid haul of points.

From Imola, Harry will now head directly to Monaco for the next event on the streets of Monte Carlo - a circuit where he secured a stunning victory twelve months ago.

“It was good to start the season off with a solid result,” he said. “To kick things off with a front row start and a second place finish is pleasing, even if obviously I would have preferred to be on the top step of the podium.

“I had a good getaway off the line but couldn’t quite get ahead of Larry and from that point on it was all about being consistent and making sure we brought the car home. It’s a long season and this is only the opening race, so we can head straight to Monaco looking to pick up more strong points towards the championship.”