Team StarChase claimed the overall Championship lead at the Season Opener of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia held at Shanghai International Circuit last weekend. Driver Philip Hamprecht was unrivaled in pace scoring a perfect weekend with a win from pole position, with Team StarChase winning the dealer’s champion for the Shanghai round.

In just his second Porsche Carrera Cup Asia season, Hamprecht set a blistering pace to claim the season’s first pole position in Saturday’s Qualifying with a time of 2:07.301.

The sun finally came out on Sunday morning. It was picture-perfect weather for the start of Round 1. Starting on the front row, Hamprecht was immediately on pace to successfully defend his position and set out to open up a gap. A Safety Car period on lap 6 reduced the gap that he built but as soon as the Safety Car returned to pit, the German put his head down and started pulling away again. As his tyres began to degrade, the chasing pack caught up to Hamprecht but his lead was too big, crossing the line ahead of his rival with a 0.866 margin.

It was an outstanding season opening weekend for Hamprecht, “It’s was a perfect weekend with a pole and a win. I am really happy with how it went. I knew if I could get a good start, I could check out. In the beginning I was quite fast and managed to open up a comfortable gap and after the safety car, I was struggling with the car a little. Luckily, I could keep the lead until the end. It was the perfect way to start the season and now we’re leading the Championship. I want to give a big thank you to Team StarChase for all the incredible support they have given. We are looking forward to the Fuji weekend.”

Hamprecht now leads the Championship with 21 points. The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will continue the season at Fuji Speedway, Japan with Rounds 2 and 3 from 15th to 17th June.

“That was a perfect start to the new season for us. A great job was done by Philip. He did not put a foot wrong in the qualifying session. He put the car on pole and turned that into a win. I am very proud of what he has done and am very happy with the performance of the team. Also I am glad to be able to present the new car colours to the sponsors. It will be a perfect season if we can continue like this.” Mr. Robby Niermann, Chief Operating Officer of StarChase said.

2018 is the second year BASF cooperate with StarChase, Dr. Sébastien Garnier Business Management Director of Automotive Refinish Coatings Greater China, BASF said, “I am very happy and satisfied with our partnership. Today was a good start with the win Philip did a fantastic job and I am sure that he will perform well in the next few months, so I expect to win.”