The 2026 season of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia begins with a historic milestone: a record-breaking 30-car grid assembling for the championship’s official test days at Zhuhai International Circuit.
Entering its 23rd season, the premier Asian one-make Porsche racing series not only boasts its largest entry list to date but also becomes the first championship in the world to race the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992.2).
Drivers representing 12 countries and regions are taking part in the two-day test session, which provides 12 hours of track time across four sessions. Teams also receive seven sets of tyres to evaluate the new race car and fine-tune setups before the competitive season begins.
The racing proper starts soon after testing, with the championship once again supporting the Chinese Grand Prix at Shanghai International Circuit from 13–15 March.
Following that opening appearance, the series heads back to Zhuhai for its first race rounds there since 2021. The 2026 calendar also sees the return of Fuji Speedway, which reappears on the schedule for the first time since 2019.
Mid-season action includes the popular street race at the Bangsaen Grand Prix in early July, an event known for drawing large crowds along Thailand’s coastline. The championship then travels to Sepang International Circuit for a triple-header in August.
The season begins and concludes alongside Formula One events, with the finale set at the iconic Marina Bay Street Circuit in October.
The Pro category features a mix of established Porsche specialists and emerging young talent. Leading the field is Marcus Amand, who returns after an eye-catching cameo in 2025 where he secured two victories and two pole positions at Mandalika International Street Circuit.
Driving for Team Shanghai Yonda BWT, Amand replaces outgoing champion Dylan Pereira and will combine his Asian campaign with commitments in both the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany.
Another notable addition is Marvin Klein, the two-time Porsche Carrera Cup France champion. Klein joins Absolute Racing for his first full season in the Asian series.
Chinese driver Ling Kang also returns, this time competing with Origine Motorsport after previously claiming victory in his debut appearance at Shanghai in 2021.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Talent Pool, presented by Michelin, continues to serve as a development pipeline for young drivers entering GT racing.
Returning drivers include Rodrigo Dias Almeida and Marco Giltrap, while several newcomers join the programme in 2026.
Among the most notable recruits is Amna Al Qubaisi, a two-time race winner in the F1 Academy, who will race with Team Jebsen.
Malaysia is represented by Naquib Azlan of Team Porsche Malaysia. After beginning his career in sim racing, Azlan has transitioned to real-world competition and impressed during the Talent Pool Assessment Test, even setting the fastest time in his second test session.
Several drivers stepping up from Formula 4 also join the field, including Alex Sawer and Seth Gilmore, who previously battled for the title in the Formula 4 South East Asia Championship. Seventeen-year-old Josh Berry becomes the youngest member of the programme and will race for Earl Bamber Motorsport.
The Pro-Am category sees the return of reigning champion Bao Jinlong, who aims to extend his remarkable tally of six class titles. His challengers include former champion Lu Wei, who returns after success in the GT World Challenge Asia.
In the Am class, defending champion Henry Kwong returns alongside his brother Eric Kwong after their dramatic 2025 title battle that was decided by just four points in Singapore.
New full-season competitors include Cao Qikuan, who impressed with multiple podiums at Sepang last year, as well as Roy Tang, Wu Jiaxin and Simon Chan.
The Masters category — introduced in 2025 — also returns for its second year after a tightly contested inaugural campaign. Malaysian driver Adrian D’Silva claimed the first title for Earl Bamber Motorsport and will attempt to defend it against familiar rivals John Shen and Jacky Wu.
Six dealer-backed teams will compete in the Dealer Trophy this season. Defending champions Team Shanghai Yonda BWT return alongside Team Porsche New Zealand, Team Jebsen and Porsche Own Retail 69 Team.
Two new entries strengthen the field for 2026: Porsche Centre Adelaide and Team Porsche Malaysia.
With the largest grid in its history, a new generation of Porsche race car and a calendar spanning some of Asia’s most iconic circuits, the 2026 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season promises one of the most competitive campaigns the championship has seen.
