Porsche’s Mueller Outlines Reasons for GT300 Comeback

Porsche-contracted driver Sven Mueller says a desire to prove the brand can succeed in Japan and a love of “fair” racing are among the reasons for his return to SUPER GT this year after seven years away from the Japanese series.

As revealed last month by Sportscar365, Mueller will partner Kiyoto Fujinami aboard the No. 666 Porsche 911 GT3 R this season as he embarks on his first GT300 campaign since his two seasons with D’station Racing back in 2017-18.

The move follows the German veteran’s title success in last year’s GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup with Rutronik Racing.

Speaking after his first day at Seven x Seven in last month’s GT Entrants’ Association (GTE) test at Fuji Speedway, Mueller said the lure of returning to an environment which he previously relished was part of his motivation to return.

“I am super happy to come back to Japan,” Mueller told Sportscar365. “One reason that I came back is that I won last year in GT World Challenge Europe and we want to show that Porsche can be successful in Japan as well.

“The team showed a good performance at the end of last year, so I am glad I can share my experience from Europe to have a nice season and to do well.

“I really like the races here in Asia, especially in Japan. When I became a factory [Porsche] driver in 2017 and ‘18, I really loved the respect between the drivers and the super-fair racing. I don’t like racing while touching.

“This is my first impression and that’s another reason why I am happy to come back. It’s unique. Plus the amount of fans here every weekend, you only really get this number at the big races in Europe. It’s a great environment.”

Mueller also admitted that Rutronik switching to Lamborghini machinery for its Pro class program in GTWC Europe was another factor behind the move.

“When Rutronik switched manufacturers, it opened up new possibilities,” he said. “So this became an attractive option.”

Seven x Seven goes into its second SUPER GT campaign hoping to build on a promising 2025 season in which Fujinami and Harry King, whom Mueller replaces, rounded off the year with three straight podiums, including a win at Autopolis.

Mueller says he is hoping to build on this form and fight for the championship, while also aiming for his first win — having taken three podiums with D’station previously.

“The team showed good results at the end of last year,” said Mueller. “We need to try and build on this and score points in every race, which is what you need to do to fight for the championship. That’s the goal.

“For me, all the cars now are new, so I need to learn which cars are quick, their strengths and weaknesses, also with the different tires, to see where we need to win and where we just need to score points, because not every track will be in our favor.”

Mueller further emphasized he is committed to the full eight-round SUPER GT season despite two clashes with his recently-announced GTWC Europe Endurance Cup program in the Bronze Cup alongside Riccardo Pera and Antares Au.

For the Paul Ricard opener and the season finale at Portimao, which clash with SUPER GT’s Okayama and Autopolis rounds respectively, Loek Hartog will replace Mueller.

De Haan to Test for Seven x Seven Racing at Fuji

On Monday, it was revealed that Porsche Carrera Cup Germany title-winner Robert de Haan will join Seven x Seven for the second of two official pre-season SUPER GT tests coming up this month at Fuji Speedway.

De Haan will serve as third driver for the team alongside Mueller and Fujinami on the second day of testing on March 16, with Taichi Watarai filling the role on March 15.

It follows the Dutchman participating in the Abu Dhabi round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East series over the winter, winning both races.

Watarai meanwhile is well known to Seven x Seven, having been part of its Super Taikyu and Porsche Carrera Cup Japan and Middle East campaigns over the past year, and also drove the No. 666 Porsche in the GTE test at Fuji last month.