Porsche Supercup

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup (known as Porsche Michelin Supercup prior to 2007) is the international motor racing series supporting the FIA Formula One World Championship organized by Porsche AG.

Porsche Supercup drivers compete in identical Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars based on the Porsche 911 Carrera. On average, 24 race cars take part in each race. Most circuits visited by the series are European, although circuits in Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and the United States have been included in the calendar as well.

2006
The new points race in Bahrain opened the season 2006. From 13 races overall, two races took place in Indianapolis (Saturday and Sunday). Races were contested over 70 kilometers, and take off from a standing start.

2007
Like in 2006, the race in the Kingdom of Bahrain opens the new season. Two classification rounds will take place there. The 2007 race calendar comprises eleven championship rounds. New on the schedule is the classification race in Istanbul, Turkey.

Racing car
In Porsche Michelin Supercup the 911 GT3 Cup type 997 is deployed - a car based on the Porsche 911 Carrera. All vehicles are technically identical: 400 hp, sequential six-speed gearbox, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB), 1,120 kg. The PCCB is deployed exclusively in Porsche Michelin Supercup. From 2008 season, the car has been improved, and is now capable to develop 420 hp (as opposed to the previous 400 hp) and has been equipped with a new open exhaust system.

Tires
Michelin is the exclusive tire supplier for the teams. Two sets of slick tires may be used per car and weekend. The number of wet tires is unlimited. The tires are identical for all competitors and are not permitted to be pre-warmed or chemically treated.

Driver championship
Points are assigned to the first 15 finishers of each race as follows: 20-18-16-14-12-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1. All races count. To receive points a driver must compete in at least eight races per season.

Team championship
The points of the two best drivers of each team are added up. At the end of the season Porsche rewards the three best placed teams with prize money.

Prize money
In 2006 and 2007, Porsche AG pays around 820,000 euros to drivers and teams. Per race the winner receives 9,000 euros, the runner-up 7,500 euros and the third placed driver 6,500 euros. For a 15th place 1,400 euros are paid. Additionally, the 2006 or 2007 champion receives a Porsche road car. The driver with the fastest laps will be given a premium watch from Porsche Design.

Winners
As the first Italian in the history of Porsche Michelin Supercup, Alessandro Zampedri won the championship in 2005. 31-year-old professional racer from London Richard Westbrook won the 2006 season.

History
Since 1993 the Porsche Michelin Supercup has run as support to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, however the number of races has grown from the original nine to total 13 in 2006, although decreasing to 11 in 2007.

Popularity
At the Grand Prix circuits during 2006 an average of 125,000 spectators witnessed the action from the grandstands at each round. According to Porsche AG races attracted 22 million TV viewers worldwide, most of them in Europe where Eurosport provides regular coverage.