Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2019 - Shanghai Official Test Day on March 22 - 24

Shanghai. Team StarChase made a strong impression in the official test days for the 2019 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, setting the second-fastest lap time over course of three days at the Shanghai International Circuit.

Philip Hamprecht is back with Team StarChase for a third consecutive season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. At his first foray, moving on after a successful single seater career, the 20-year-old German showed consistent improvement throughout the year and gained valuable experience, claiming two wins and hitting the overall podium multiple times.

In 2018, he kept himself involved in the championship battle right until the end, only to fall short by twenty-four points. With four overall wins, two pole positions and eight podium finishes in 12 races, Team StarChase conquered the Porsche Dealer Trophy.

Keeping the BASF-owned Glasurit Automotive Refinish orange livery, Team StarChase is now eager to continue on the same note this season and will be aiming for its fifth championship title. Philip Hamprecht was the fastest over the three days and setting himself up and the man to beat.

Team StarChase’s busy programme was helped by fine weather which allowed it to complete a combined 118 laps, covering a total of 645 kilometres to run through the team’s extensive pre-season preparation plan.

On Friday afternoon’s single testing session, Philip Hamprecht did the fastest time and ranked himself on top among the top 24 drivers with a lap time of 2:07.702. He improved his fastest lap time on Saturday to 2:06.555, becoming one of the few drivers whose lapped faster than 2:07 mark.

The No. 99 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II) kept it in good condition on the last day of testing. Philip Hamprecht, who recorded the second fastest time combined in this test just 0.039 seconds adrift, made a very good impression in terms of both pace and speed.

Commenting on his performance in the official test, Philip Hamprecht said: “The first and second days here were very strong for us. You don’t know what the other teams are doing but overall we were following our plan, what we wanted to do. We figured everything out before the first race, and I’m feeling quite confident. Now it is just time to put all together to win the race. Everyone can go fast but you have to win races in the end of the day. Last year we came quite close to win the championship, which was our goal. This year I think I am more prepared because I know what to expect. Last year it was my first time in the title fight so I might have taken wrong decisions at certain point. I have this experience now and our aim is to do well right from the start.”

Mr. Robby Niermann, Chief Executive Officer Greater China of StarChase added: “Team StarChase is really happy to be back in Carrera Cup Asia. We have a great group of people and it is good to see Philip back in the car. The testing programme went very well and we are not only very motivated but also confident. We have a proven package and that puts us in a strong position. If you look at the lap times it looks pretty promising. We are eager to start the season on right foot and finish the championship one place better than last year.”

The 16th edition of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia kicks off in three weeks’ time at Shanghai International Circuit as the support race of F1 Chinese Grand Prix, before cutting a swathe across the racetracks of Asia. In May the series visits the home of Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, while June sees a return to Japan’s spectacular Fuji International Speedway. One event in Malaysia in July will precede the always-unpredictable battle on the streets of Bangsaen in August and September’s highlight of the season at the glittering Singapore F1 Grand Prix. The season finale is scheduled for November as part as of the FIA World Endurance Championship weekend in Shanghai.