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NEW TEAM JOINS PORSCHE CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA IN 2018

Chris Papadopoulos's team Volante Rosso joins Carrera Cup in 2018 - Photo: Supplied

By Bruce Williams

Chris Papadopoulos's team Volante Rosso joins Carrera Cup in 2018 - Photo: Supplied

Chris Papadopoulos’s team Volante Rosso joins Carrera Cup in 2018 – Photo: Supplied

A new team will join the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia ranks in 2018, Volante Rosso.

The Sydney based team, owned by former Formula 1 Engineer Chris Papadopoulos, will join as its own team for the first time with a yet to be announced PRO class driver. Previously Volante Rosso has provided trackside and engineering support to teams in several categories over the past few years.

Team Principle, Papadopoulos is enthusiastic about the new entry, although he acknowledges the task ahead.

“I remember I was working in F1 when the 991’s first raced in Porsche Supercup as our support category in Barcelona. There was a real buzz in the paddock and they were great to watch all year. The 991 was such a step up from the 997 and the cars looked and sounded great. From that point, Carrera Cup was a category I just had to get involved in at some stage, and the new gen 2 cars for 2018 gave us a fantastic opportunity”

“While we’re all starting fresh with the 991.II, most other teams have 4 years experience with the original mk I version, so we’re under no illusions of the challenge.”

“Carrera Cup is so competitive, especially with the depth of field already confirmed for this year, but I’m confident in our team and experience, so we’re up for it!”

“Interest in the category is incredible this year which is great for Porsche and for the category. We would love to add a second car to our program if we could get our hands on one, but they sold out pretty quick!”

While not yet confirming the name of the PRO class driver for the team, Papadopoulos admits it was an interesting process.

“For the last few years, since I left F1 really, drivers have generally come to me to talk about racing programs, so it was interesting to be back in a situation where I was able to approach the drivers I thought could do a great job for us.”

“It was quite fun actually, had a few good chats and it was great to catch up with some of my favourite drivers. The option was there to sign a couple of big names that I knew back in Europe, but more than headlines, it was important to go with someone who we knew could deliver for us, especially on street circuits.”

“It’s so important in this series not only to have someone that can deliver on track, but also someone you have a good relationship with and can trust with the gear.”

“Unfortunately I can’t confirm the name yet due to a couple of obligations, but I’m sure we can go public with it soon. It’s a PRO driver and we are aiming for the front of the grid.”

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