The Porsche Supercup (officially known as Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup for sponsorship reasons, known as Porsche Michelin Supercup prior to 2007 and often abbreviated as PSC) is an international one-make production stock 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.
Naming and history The Porsche Supercup naming carrying the "-cup" suffix nomenclature since 1993 which is also used by NASCAR Cup Series since 1971.
Since 1993 the Porsche Michelin Supercup has run as support to the FIA Formula 1 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. Prior to 1993, the series was known as the Porsche Carrera Cup.
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: FlagNamesMeaningSC Board (Safety Car)Shown in conjunction with a yellow flag to indicate that the Safety Car is on track. Full course yellow flag applies. Drivers must hold position and slow down.VSC Board (Virtual Safety Car)Shown in conjunction with a yellow flag to indicate that the virtual safety car is in use. During this time, the drivers are given maximum sector times that they must stay below. Full course double yellow flag applies.GreenNormal racing conditions apply. This is usually shown following a yellow flag to indicate that the hazard has been passed. A green flag is shown at all stations for the lap following the end of a full-course yellow (or safety car). A green flag is also shown at the start of every race sessions (free practice, qualifying and race).YellowIndicates a hazard on or near the track (waved yellows indicate a hazard on the track, frozen yellows indicate a hazard near the track). Double waved yellows inform drivers that they must slow down as marshals are working on or near to the track and drivers should be prepared to stop.Yellow and red stripedSlippery track, due to oil, water or loose debris. Can be seen 'rocked' from side-to-side (not waved) to indicate a small animal on track.BlueA blue flag indicates that the driver in front must let faster cars behind him pass because he is being lapped. If flag is missed 3 times the driver could be penalised.WhiteIndicates that there is a slow car ahead. Often waved at the end of the pit lane when a car is about to leave the pits.Black and orange circleCar is damaged or has a mechanical problem, must return to the pit lane immediately. Will be accompanied by driver's numberHalf black half whiteWarns a driver for poor sportsmanship or dangerous behaviour. Can be followed by a Black flag upon further infringement. Accompanied by the driver's number.BlackDriver is disqualified. Will be accompanied by the driver's number. This can be issued after a Half Black Half White flag.RedA red flag immediately halts a race or session when conditions become too dangerous to continue.Chequered flagEnd of the practice, qualifying or racing session.
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)
Raced in the Porsche Supercup seasons 2010–2012. Based on 997.2 GT3 RS, the car features a new 3.8 litre engine, an enlarged rear wing adopted from 911 GT3 Cup S measuring , additional Unibal joints on the track control arms and front and rear sword-shaped anti-roll bars with seven position settings each and a steering wheel mounted Info Display with 6 switches. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and deliveries began in the same year. The base MSRP of the European model was €149,850 (before tax).
911 GT3 Cup (Type 991)
Based on the Porsche 911 GT3 type 991, this 911 GT3 Cup was used in the Porsche Supercup for the seasons 2013–2016. The Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 991 features the new gearbox paddle-shifters for the first time.
911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II)
Raced in the Porsche Supercup from the 2017 season until the end of the 2020 season. Based on the latest 911 GT3 road car it features a larger 4.0-litre flat-six boxer engine, improved aerodynamics and an enlarged escape-hatch in the roof and is priced at €189,900 excluding taxes.
911 GT3 Cup (Type 992)
The standard Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) raced in the Porsche Supercup starting for the first time in the 2021 season and is expected to race for the next few seasons. Based on the latest 911 GT3 road car, the 911 GT3 Cup Type 992 engines will remain the same as the 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991 II) but the power output will increase slightly from . 911 Cup (Type 992.2) The standard Porsche 911 Cup (Type 992.2) will race in the Porsche Supercup starting for the first time in the 2026 season and is expected to race for the next few seasons. Based on the latest 911 GT3 road car, the 911 Cup Type 992.2 engines will remain the same as the 911 GT3 Cup (Type 992) but the power output will increase slightly from . For the Type 992.2 Cup car Porsche has eliminated GT3 from the name to avoid confusion with FIA Group GT3.
Tyres Pirelli was official first sole tyre partner and supplier for the series from 1993 until 2001 seasons. Later in 2002 Michelin became the second sole official tyre partner and supplier for the series since 2002 season until present.
Transmission, gearbox and clutches For the transmission gearboxes, all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars currently utilize a semi-automatic transmission with a 6-speed gearbox (including reverse gear) operated by paddle shifters and supplied by in-house Porsche since the 2013 season. From 1993 to 2012, all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars used sequential manual transmission with a 6-speed gearbox operated by a conventional sequential shifter. The clutch of all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars is a sintered metal-plate clutch operated by foot-pedal and provided by ZF Sachs. The mechanical limited-slip differential is also allowed and constant velocity joint tripod driveshafts are also used. All Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars drivetrain is currently rear-engine with rear-wheel-drive layout.
Cockpit and safety components
For the safety equipment, all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars seating utilizes racing bucket driver's seat with 6-point seat belts. The steering wheel of all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars are made exclusively in-house by Porsche Motorsport GmbH. All Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars are also equipped with Cosworth Omega Intelligent Colour Display units since 2013 until 2020 season until it was replaced by all-new larger Cosworth CDU 10.3 display unit from 2021 season onwards. The fire extinguisher of all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars are included in the bottom right-hand side underneath. The interior rear-view mirror is still currently used since 1993 until present.
The cockpit of all Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup cars are fully protected by doors, windshields and roofs (shielded by polycarbonate glass for windscreen, side windows and rear windows including also windshield wipers for rain weather only in the windscreen) because of current coupé-type car.
Since 2006, HANS device was introduced to all Porsche Supercup drivers to reduce risk of head and neck injuries.
Specifications 1993 Engine displacement: naturally-aspirated flat-six Power output: @6,100 rpm, @4,800 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual transmission Weight: Fuel: Shell unleaded 1994–1997 Engine displacement: naturally-aspirated flat-six Power output: at 6,100 rpm, at 5,500 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission Weight: Fuel: Shell (1994–1995) later Panta (1996–1997) unleaded 1998–2001 Engine displacement: naturally-aspirated flat-six Bore × stroke: 100 mm × 76.4 mm Power output: at 7,200 rpm, at 6,250 rpm Redline: 8,000 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission Tyres: Pirelli slick; "245/645-18" front, "305/645-18" rear Brakes: 330 mm brake disks front/rear, ABS standard Fuel tank capacity: Weight: Fuel: Panta unleaded 2002–2004 Engine displacement: naturally-aspirated flat-six Bore × stroke: 100mm × 76.4mm Power output: at 7,200 rpm, at 6,250 rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission Tyres: Michelin slick; "24/64-18" front, "27/68-18" rear