MATT CAMPBELL CHASING MORE PODIUMS – IN THE ULTIMATE PORSCHE CHALLENGE
Matt Campbell racing in German Carrera Cup – Photo: Supplied
Young Aussie hot shot Matt Campbell heads into this weekends third round of the Porsche Supercup as a genuine race favourite.
Porsche Supercup is a support category to this weekends Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg in Austria, and Campbell has shown some solid form and a good level of confidence in the lead up to this weekends competition following a strong performance in a recent round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland series held at the same venue a few weeks ago.
In the German Porsche Carrera Cup series meeting held at the circuit last month, Campbell, driving for Fach Auto Tech placed on the podium in both races and was fast all weekend amongst a stellar field, many of those who will be his main competition in this weekends Porsche Supercup round.
At the Deutschland series round Campbell qualified in second for the first race start and finished a stunning first place, then started race two on Pole and went onto finish 3rd , setting the fastest race lap.
Matt Campbell at Red Bull Ring – Photo: Bruce Williams
“It was great to race here for the first time and to gain some valuable test miles,” Campbell told AA. “It was a great opportunity as many of the Supercup teams raced at the event, so we were able to see that we had genuine pace over the weekend.
“We ran at the front of the field and raced against a number of the same drivers Im competing against in this round of the Porsche Supercup Series.
“It shows we have some form and it was a great opportunity to learn another new track in advance of a Porsche Supercup race round.
The Porsche Junior Team driver says he feels comfortable racing in the ultimate Porsche Cup series.
Going into the year with the Porsche Junior Program, I didn’t have any expectations to be running at the front initially,” Campbell continued. “I didn’t expect to have any podiums at the first round or anything like that, but after the results we had at the first few rounds it gives you confidence that you can do the job.”
“After the first couple of rounds I feel confident in myself and I have faith in my new team, and I have shown I can be competitive in the ultimate Porsche Cup series.”
Auto Action spoke to Campbell prior to the first practice session and he was relaxed and looking forward to getting back onto the track.
“Its great to come back here this weekend to a race track that I have visited before. I got some good miles here driving in my own race car, so I dont see why we cant be up there again, I just have to focus on what we know and make sure I keep any mistakes to a minimum” Campbell said.
“Its a great race track, its a high grip surface, with lots of fast corners and some big braking opportunities, it really suits these Porsche Cup cars, and its a lot of fun. Following the recent race we have some really good data and a solid strategy for the Friday practice and Saturday qualifying sessions and the races over the weekend.” he continued.
Matt Campbell’s Porsche Supercup car – Photo: Bruce Williams
Campbell ended Fridays practice session in a solid seventh position and confirmed the team had run Campbells car on used tyres and brake package.
We will bolt on some new tyres and brakes for qualifying and it should give me some great grip and stopping power. Campbell said.
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