Ten Voorde, Güven Win Virtual Supercup Season Opening Races

Larry ten Voorde and Porsche Junior Ayhancan Güven claimed victories in Saturday’s pair of season-opening rounds for the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Virtual Edition.

Held at the virtual Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on iRacing, a total of 31 pro drivers took part in the races, including a number of Porsche factory drivers and Young Professionals.

“Our virtual opening double-header event on the iRacing platform showed just how well our Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup drivers can perform at the limit – no matter whether it’s virtual or real motor racing,” said Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup project manager Oliver Schwab.

Both races were packed with thrills and spills.

Many overtaking maneuvers led to accidents that resulted in a high number of retirements, especially among the Porsche works drivers.

Only Sven Müller, Simona de Silvestro and Nick Tandy were able to hold their own against the seasoned Supercup specialists at the wheel of their virtual Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars.

The start of Race 1 proved key. Taking up the race from the second grid spot, ten Voorde managed to squeeze past pole-sitter Güven.

An enthralling duel unfolded between the pair. In the final phase, the 22-year-old Güven made a final attempt to overtake the Dutchman in the final corner – however, ten Voorde fended him off to cross the finish line first.

“That was so much fun. I’m thrilled to win the very first virtual Supercup race,” said ten Voorde. “Unfortunately I made a couple of mistakes in the second race, which Ayhancan Güven used to his advantage.”

Dylan Pereira secured third place in both races. Porsche Junior Jaxon Evans and Jesse van Kuijk from the Netherlands rounded off the top-five.

First place in the rookie category went to Jaden Conwright, with Marc Cini clinching the Pro-Am classification.

Race 2 also turned into a gripping battle for victory between ten Voorde and Güven.

Güven passed the Team GP Elite driver in lap one and took the checkered flag after 14 laps. two seconds ahead of ten Voorde.

“That was a tough but fair fight with Larry ten Voorde,” said Güven. “We’ve demonstrated just how exciting motorsport can be on a simulator.

“To kick off the championship with a win is fantastic.”

Third place again went to Pereira, with van Kuijk and Joey Mawson finishing in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Leon Köhler won the rookie class, with Austrian Philipp Sager winning the Pro-Am category.

After the season-opening event, Güven and ten Voorde are tied at the lead of the championship with 45 points each. Pereira ranks third with 34 points.

The next double-header round will take place at Silverstone on April 18.

Race 1 Results:
1. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
2. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing)
4. Jaxon Evans (NZ/Momo Megatron Lechner Racing)
5. Jesse van Kuijk (NL/Team GP Elite)

Race 2 Results:
1. Ayhancan Güven (TR/Martinet by Alméras)
2. Larry ten Voorde (NL/Team GP Elite)
3. Dylan Pereira (L/BWT Lechner Racing)
4. Jesse van Kuijk (NL/Team GP Elite)
5. Joey Mawson (AUS/Fach Auto Tech)