Porsche Carrera Cup Asia’s (PCCA) teams and drivers are all set to get the 2024 season underway this weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, competing on the support bill for the Chinese Grand Prix.

27 cars will be in action, with a strong competition in all three classes. 10 of those will be fighting in the Pro category, with a further seven in the Pro-am class. Finally, 10 Am drivers will be battling it out at China’s best-known circuit.

The Shanghai venue is a staple on the PCCA calendar, with the series competing on the undercard for every edition of the Chinese Grand Prix since it debuted in 2004. As the race returns to the country for the first time in five years, there is even more excitement than usual surrounding PCCA’s traditional ‘home event’.

The field already has experience of the 5.451-kilometre circuit thanks to the Official Test Days last month. Series newcomer Dylan Pereira set the fastest time of the two days for Team Shanghai Yonda BWT, but will face stiff competition from Porsche Holding’s experienced Martin Ragginger, and the youth of the 2024 PCCA Talent Pool, with six of them in action this weekend.

This year will also see the return of the Dealer Trophy. Eight registered Porsche dealers from across the Asia-Pacific region will battle it out for glory, with seven of those back for more from 2023.

The event in Shanghai sees a few changes from the official 2024 entry list, with PCCA race winner Ling Kang filling in for Max Yao in the #98 R&B Racing car. Meanwhile, Oscar Targett replaces Adrian D’Silva for EBM Giga Racing, while Angelo Negro makes his first PCCA entry since 2012, deputising for Christian Chia in the #69 OpenRoad Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992).

With the series entering its 21st season, Team Jebsen is celebrating its 20th year racing in the championship. Since debuting in 2004, the squad has led drivers to three titles, Darryl O’Young in 2006 and 2008, before more recently, Daniel Lu Wenlong in 2021.

PCCA will also hold its season opening party on Friday evening as part of the Night With Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific. The event also doubles up as a celebration of PCCA’s 2023 champions.

The Shanghai International Circuit, which opened in 2004 and was inspired by the Chinese symbol ‘shang’, features 16 corners and a healthy mix of tight, twisting sections along with high-speed corners. The tricky, winding Turns 1-4 will be sure to catch drivers out, while the heavy braking zone at Turn 14 is set to provide an excellent overtaking opportunity.

Track action gets underway on Friday with practice, ahead of qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, ahead of Race 2 on Grand Prix Sunday.

Dylan Yip, Team Luanzhou International Circuit: “I’m really excited to make my Porsche Carrera Cup Asia debut on my home track. It’s been a long time since I’ve raced in Asia, so that will be different but it’s something I’ve been waiting for since I knew I would be competing in the championship. The Official Test Days and Talent Pool training event were both very useful, I learned a lot on track and off track to help me this year. We recorded a lot of laps at Shanghai last month, so I’m feeling prepared and ready to give it my all.”

Eric Zang, TORO Racing: “I’m really looking forward to getting the season underway in Shanghai, supporting the Chinese Grand Prix. We had good pace during testing and with our experience on this track we have high hopes for the weekend. With high entry speed and the car on the limit throughout, Turn 1 is sure to be a challenging part of the circuit throughout. As a dedicated Porsche dealer, TORO Racing is sure to be aiming for the Dealer Trophy, especially after our strong 2023. Can’t wait to get started!”

Zhu Zhiyao, R&B Racing: “It’s a great feeling to be starting a new season, and even more special to be racing on the same weekend as the return of the Chinese Grand Prix. I’ll push hard throughout the event and I’m targeting a strong result in the Am class to kick off the campaign in a positive fashion.”

Alexandre Imperatori, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Manager: “I’m really excited for the first race of the 2024 season and to be back supporting the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. It’s always a pleasure for us to race at what we consider our home event, and to have F1 returning makes it extra special. We’ve got an extremely talented grid of drivers, with great teams behind them and we’re hoping for incredible battles in all three categories. It’s a big season ahead of us, and I can’t wait to see the cars on track and in action.”