Successful start to the new season of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany for Larry ten Voorde (Team GP Elite): The Dutchman drove to victory in the opening race at the Belgian Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. "Winning the first race of the new season is always a very special feeling. Of course I could see Laurin Heinrich in the rearview mirror. But I focused on my own performance, that was crucial.

The new vehicle has noticeably more aerodynamics and therefore a significantly higher speed in the corners," said ten Voorde. The other two podium places were secured by Laurin Heinrich (Germany/Van Berghe Huber Racing) and Christopher Zöchling (Austria/Fach Auto Tech). A total of 29 drivers will compete in the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in the double race as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Defending champion ten Voorde secured an optimal starting position in qualifying and started the race from pole position in the 510 hp Cup vehicle. Immediately after the start, the 24-year-old was able to break away from his competitors. Sovereignly, Voorde led the race over the entire distance and cheered on the victory after 14 laps. Chaser Heinrich always kept the gap under one second – but the 19-year-old was unable to put decisive pressure on the elite GP driver.

"Two times I came closer to Larry ten Voorde, but unfortunately the victory was not in it. For me it is still a great result and the race was really fun. On Saturday I start again from second place and then of course I want to attack," Heinrich said. The youngster was thus the best driver from the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland Talent Pool, the junior program of the brand cup. In an action-packed race on the traditional course in the Ardennes Forest, Routinier Zöchling finished third after cleverly prevailing against Leon Köhler (Germany/Nebulus Racing by Huber) in the final phase. "In the last few laps Leon Köhler really put pressure on. We have been racing together for many hours, so I know his tricks and was able to defend myself successfully," Zöchling explained. Behind Köhler were guest starters Dorian Boccolacci (France/Martinet by Alméras) as well as the two Dutchmen Max van Splunteren (GP Elite) and Loek Hartog (Black Falcon Team Textar). Carlos Rivas (Black Falcon Team Textar) won the ProAm class.

The Luxemburgish-born driver won ahead of Bashar Mardini (UAE/Van Berghe Huber Racing) and Kim Hauschild (Germany/HRT Motorsport). The race on the 7.004 kilometre Ardennes roller coaster was unhappy for Ayhancan Güven (Turkey/Phoenix Racing). The Porsche Junior started the race from tenth place, fell several positions due to a collision after the start and had to give up prematurely after six laps. "Actually I had a great start and was able to make up several places, but then I was hit by two other vehicles. Unfortunately, my front rims were too damaged to continue the race. There is a new race on Saturday and I will give everything," Güven summed up. The second race of the season starts on Saturday at 11:55 cest (CEST) – Larry ten Voorde is again in pole position. Fans can follow the race via live stream on the official Facebook and YouTube channel of the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany as well as in the Porsche Motorsport Hub.

Race result 1st race, Porsche Carrera Cup Germany

1. Larry ten Voorde (Netherlands/Team GP Elite)

2. Laurin Heinrich (Germany/Van Berghe Huber Racing)

3. Christopher Zöchling (Austria/Fach Auto Tech)

4. Leon Köhler (Germany/Nebulus Racing by Huber)

5. Dorian Boccolacci (France/Martinet by Alméras)

6. Max van Splunteren (Netherlands/GP Elite)

7. Loek Hartog (Netherlands/Black Falcon Team Textar)

8. Bastian Buus (Denmark/Allied-Racing)

9. Rudy van Buren (Netherlands/CarTech Motorsport by Nigrin)

10. Lucas Groeneveld (Netherlands/GP Elite newsroom.porsche.de)