The Porsche Supercup (officially known as Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, known as Porsche Michelin Supercup prior to 2007) is an international one-make sports car racing series supporting the FIA Formula One World Championship organized by Porsche Motorsport GmbH.
Porsche Supercup drivers compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. On average, 24 race cars take part in each race. Most circuits visited by the series are European, although circuits in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, the United States and Mexico have been included in the calendar as well.
History
Since 1993 the Porsche Michelin Supercup has run as support to the FIA Formula One World Championship. The number of races has grown from the original nine to total 13 in 2006, although decreasing to 11 in 2017 and eight in 2020.
Regulations
Two sets of slick tyres may be used per car each weekend. The number of wet tyres is unlimited. The tyres are identical for all competitors and are not permitted to be pre-warmed or chemically treated.
In-race pit stops are not mandatory and no refueling is allowed during the race, but pit stops are allowed when necessary (e.g., in case of tyre puncture, body damage, changes in weather conditions, etc.).
Racing flags
These are the racing flags that usually used in every Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race weekends:
Racing cars
Chassis
Porsche Supercup cars adhere to a rear-engined rear-wheel-drive design. A roll cage serves as a carbon-fibre space frame chassis and is covered by a multiple-gauge sheet metal body. They have a closed cockpit, fenders, a rear wing, and an aerodynamic splitter. Each team may purchase cars and engines from other teams.
The car has a front MacPherson strut suspension, and a rear Multi-link suspension. Brake discs must be made of steel and may not exceed diameter. The only aerodynamic components on the vehicles are the front splitter, rear wing, solid polycarbonate glass window in the windows only, and side skirts. The use of rear diffusers, vortex generators, canards, wheel well vents, hood vents, and undertrays are prohibited.
Porsche Supercup cars are required to have at least 1 working windshield wiper installed on the car for all tracks as a part of the road racing rules package.
Evolution of Porsche Supercup cars
911 Cup (Type 964)
For the inaugural 1993 Porsche Supercup season the 964 Cup (used in Carrera Cup from 1992) based on the 964 Carrera RS (itself based on the earlier 1990 964 Carrera Cup) was the vehicle of choice. Compared to the road car the Cup race car features a similarly stripped-out interior and retains the catalytic converter, 18 inch magnesium wheels and ABS but was lowered by 20mm, featured a full roll cage and no passenger seat.
911 Cup 3.8 (Type 993)
Based on the 993 Carrera 2 and used in the Porsche Supercup for seasons 1994–1997. Updated in 1995 with aero parts from the new Carrera RS, followed by a five-horsepower increase to at 6,200 rpm in 1996. 216 units were produced in total.
911 GT3 Cup (Type 996)
Raced in the Porsche Supercup seasons 1998–2001. Basis for the upcoming 996 GT3 road car, featuring a 3.6 litre boxer engine on basis of the GT1 block. For the 1999 season the engine output was increased to and at 6,250 rpm. The car managed the 0- sprint in four seconds, with a top speed of . For the 2001 season the GT3 Cup received modified aerodynamics including an enlarged rear wing and improved cooling.
911 GT3 Cup (Type 996 II)
Raced in the Porsche Supercup seasons 2002–2004. For 2002 the GT3 Cup received several changes based on the 996.2 Carrera and Turbo models, including Turbo-style headlights. The new body significantly improves aerodynamics and cooling. Engine output is increased to and , further changes include improved transmission cooling, a lightened exhaust system and other light-weighing measures across the car. For the 2004 season the car received further upgrades. Engine output is once again increased slightly, to at 7,200 rpm and at 6,500 rpm. Gear ratios of fourth, fifth and sixth gears have been shortened. An 89-litre fuel tank improves endurance racing capabilities. In the interior changes are made to enable the use of the HANS device.
911 GT3 Cup (Type 997)
Raced in the Porsche Supercup seasons 2005–2009. The 997-based Cup car features significantly improved aerodynamics and lightweight CFRP parts, including doors, rear body panels, engine deck lid and rear wing. Parts of the suspension are adopted from the GT3 RSR.
911 GT3 Cup 3.8 (Type 997 II)