Amand, Klein, Al Qubaisi… Who makes up the grid for the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2026?

With 30 cars on track – a record for the series – the championship Porsche Carrera Cup Asia promises to be particularly competitive for its 23rd season. These tests also marked an important moment: the Asian series will be the first one-make competition to feature the new Porsche 911 Cup (992.2).

Before the start of the season in Shanghai from March 13 to 15, on the sidelines of the Chinese Grand Prix Formula 1The teams were thus able to discover the new car and assess the competition at the Zhuhai International Circuit, which returns to the calendar this year. Fuji Speedway will also make its comeback in May for the first time since 2019, while the season will also include stops in Bangsaen, Sepang, and conclude as usual in Singapore on the Marina Bay street circuit.

A very international Pro category

The Pro category promises to be particularly competitive, featuring several names already well-known within the Porsche ecosystem. Junior driver for the manufacturer, Marcus Amand, returns to the championship after a notable appearance last year. Invited to Mandalika, the Franco-Finnish driver secured two pole positions and two victories. This season, he joins Team Shanghai Yonda BWT with the number 3 car, aiming to challenge for the title, alongside his programs in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany.

Marcus Amand – Photo: Porsche

Another Frenchman to watch closely is Marvin Klein. A two-time Porsche Carrera Cup France champion in 2021 and 2022, he makes his debut in the Asian series with Absolute Racing at the wheel of the #88 Porsche. A consistent performer in the Supercup in recent seasons, he notably finished third and then fourth in the championship.

Ling Kang will also be competing with Origine Motorsport. The Chinese driver, who won a race in his first appearance in the series in 2021 in Shanghai, will try to make his mark again.

A very promising talent pool

As announced prior to the season, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Talent Pool presented by Michelin brings together several young drivers competing in the Pro category. Rodrigo Dias Almeida (Wetrade x Phantom Global Racing) and Marco Giltrap (Team Porsche New Zealand) are continuing their journey in this program.

They are joined by several new faces. Amna Al Qubaisi, a two-time F1 Academy winner, will drive for the Jebsen team, while China's Ruiqi Liu will represent Phantom Global Racing. Malaysian Naquib Azlan, spotted during the Talent Pool selections after a stint in the simulator, will also make his debut.

Amna Al Qubaisi – Photo: Porsche

Three young drivers from Formula 4 complete this group: Alex Sawer and Seth Gilmore, former rivals in the Southeast Asian championship, as well as Josh Berry. At just 17 years old, Berry will be the youngest driver on the grid with Earl Bamber Motorsport.

A close battle is expected in Pro-Am

In Pro-Am, Bao Jinlong will defend his title. Now racing with Origine Motorsport, he will attempt to add a sixth crown to his already impressive record.

However, the competition looks set to be tough. 2022 champion Lu Wei returns to the series after shining in the GT World Challenge Asia, while Francis Tjia comes back with the ambition of doing better than his runner-up finish in the category last season.

Other contenders for the top spots include Wang Zhongwei, winner of the opening round in Shanghai in 2025, and Anderson Tanoto, committed for a full season with Absolute Racing.

The Am category is always very well-stocked

2025 Am champion Henry Kwong is back to challenge for the title with Bergwerk. He will notably face his brother Eric Kwong, runner-up last year after a duel decided by four points in the Singapore final.

Several riders who have already shone in the series will also be present, such as Cao Qikuan, Roy Tang, and Wu Jiaxin. Simon Chan will also try to take his performance to the next level after narrowly missing the podium in the Sepang final.

Three newcomers finally join the Am category: Ning Li, Liu Chao and Douglas Khoo.

The Masters category is back for another round

Introduced in 2025, the Masters category returns for a second season. Adrian D'Silva will attempt to retain the title he won last year with Earl Bamber Motorsport.

The Malaysian will face two already formidable opponents: John Shen and Jacky Wu, both returning to try and overturn the hierarchy.

A rapidly expanding championship

With a record grid of 30 cars and drivers from 12 different countries and territories, the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia confirms its growth momentum. The arrival of the new Porsche 911 Cup (992.2) and the return of iconic circuits like Zhuhai and Fuji should further boost the championship's appeal.

The official tests in Zhuhai gave a first glimpse of the field, but the first answers will come as early as the weekend of March 13-15 in Shanghai, for the opening of the 2026 season.

Porsche Carrera Cup Asia
The 2026 season calendar

March 13-15: Shanghai International Circuit (China) – Rounds 1 and 2
April 10-12: Zhuhai International Circuit (China) – Rounds 3 and 4
May 8-10: Fuji International Speedway (Japan) – Heats 5 and 6
July 3-5: Bangsaen Street Circuit (Thailand) – Rounds 7 and 8
August 21-23: Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia) – Rounds 9, 10 and 11
October 9-11: Marina Bay Street Circuit (Singapore) – Rounds 12 and 13