Ghiretti Named 2024 Porsche Junior Driver

Photo: Porsche

Alessandro Ghiretti has been named Porsche’s new Junior driver for 2024, having been selected over 11 other candidates during an extensive process in mid-November at Portimao.

The 21-year-old Frenchman is the reigning Rookie champion of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup while finishing second in Porsche Carrera Cup France last season.

He beat out a number of other rising stars, including newly crowned Porsche Deluxe Carrera Cup North America champion Riley Dickinson, who was the only American represented in the shootout.

“As always, this wasn’t an easy decision for us. The twelve candidates were all extremely strong,” said Porsche Motorsport boss Thomas Laudenbach.

“Even though the assessment took place on a racetrack, the selection of the new junior is about more than sporting talent and driving ability.

“We demand much more from a race driver than stepping on the gas, braking late and hitting the apex. It’s always been about the complete package. In this respect, we’re absolutely sold on Alessandro.

“I’m certain that we’ll be seeing fantastic races from him in 2024. He has the chance to grow into an all-rounder, just like the previous Porsche Juniors have.”

Ghiretti inherited the passion for motor racing early in life: His father Alain contested numerous races in single-seaters; his grandfather had a penchant for historic motorsport and worked in that scene as a mechanic in his free time.

The new Porsche Junior’s family gave him the backing he needed when he started racing in karts at the age of seven. His path led him to Carrera Cup France in 2021 via Formula 4, Formula 3 and, among other things, the Michelin Le Mans Cup.

“When my phone rang and I saw that it was a call from Porsche, I quickly took a screenshot. I immediately got the feeling that I had to capture this moment forever,” he said.

“When Jasmin told me that I would be the Porsche Junior for 2024, I was in complete disbelief. I asked her to repeat the sentence one more time.

“It’s a huge dream come true for me. My whole family loves the Porsche brand – and now I’m going to be a small part of it. The news blew me away, I was speechless.

“I was grinning from ear to ear for the rest of the day and of course, I let my parents know straight away. It was a moment I won’t be forgetting in a hurry.”

Ghiretti will receive an sponsorship package of up to 225,000 Euros for his racing activities, which will include Supercup action, as well as extensive training, support and mentoring away from the track.

Sascha Maassen, two-time Le Mans class winner with Porsche and winner of the Macau Grand Prix in 1994, will support the youngster as a coach throughout the season.

He success Bastian Buus in the Junior program, which has been in place since 1997.

“I want to make the absolute most of the opportunities I get as a Porsche Junior,” said Ghiretti.

“I aim to learn as much as possible and implement all the knowledge Sascha passes on to me as quickly as possible. I’m immensely proud to be able to join the list of renowned top drivers who have emerged from the Porsche support program.

“I’m aware of how unique this opportunity is: I’m determined to make the most of it!”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John