Picariello Joins Rutronik Endurance Cup Squad

Alessio Picariello will join Rutronik Racing’s GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup effort, replacing Porsche Hypercar driver Julien Andlauer.

The Belgian will share the No. 96 Porsche 911 GT3 R with the returning duo of Sven Mueller and Patric Niederhauser.

Picariello joins as the third driver for the endurance rounds in place of Andlauer, who notably helped Rutronik take pole position at last year’s Endurance Cup round at the Nürburgring.

Mueller and Niederhauser, meanwhile, will again tackle all ten GTWC Europe rounds, forming a duo for the Sprint Cup season.

They notable took Porsche’s first-ever overall Sprint Cup victory at the Barcelona season finale en route to fifth in the standings.

Rutronik has also confirmed that reigning Porsche Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will spearhead Rutronik’s second car in Sprint Cup, which is entered into the Silver Cup category.

The Dutchman will share driving duties with Sri Lankan driver Eshan Pieris, who previously competed in GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS.

‘We start with great anticipation in our third season in the GT World Challenge Europe together with Rutronik, Porsche and all our partners,” said team principal Klaus Graf.

“We have worked very hard over the winter, significantly strengthened our team again and set the course for a strong challenge for race wins and the title.

“As in previous years, the competition is extremely strong and our goal from the start of the season will be to establish ourselves in the front ranks.

“With Sven and Patric, we have a very strong and very experienced driver pairing for the whole season. Our results at the end of the season provided impressive proof of this.

“In Alessio, we welcome a top Porsche works driver for the Endurance races to our ranks. I am convinced that he will integrate seamlessly into our team.”