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2014 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup: Austria preview

It’s been four weeks since the last Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup round took place a Monaco but now the circus is back in action as it heads to the Red Bull Ring for the first Austrian round of the premier 911 race series since 2003.

11 years ago it was Frank Stippler who took the first of five victories on his way to winning that year’s crown, beating off the likes of Wolf Henzler (now a works Porsche driver) and Mr Supercup himself, Patrick Huisman.

Now though the names have changed, although the racing remains just as fierce, with Austria once again playing host to the third round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season.

Philipp Eng will be looking for his first Supercup victory in front of his home crowd.
Philipp Eng will be looking for his first Supercup victory in front of his home crowd.

Leading the championship ahead of this weekend’s race is Philipp Eng. The Austrian has impressed in his first two Supercup races, showing excellent consistency with two second-place finished to top the points standings.

Eng will be hoping to take his first Supercup victory in front of his home crowd however, the VERVA Lechner Racing duo of Ben Barker and Kuba Giermaziak will be looking to stop him and take charge in the championship chase.

Giermaziak was a winner last time out in Monaco after a commanding drive around the principality’s streets but, although Barker has yet to win a Supercup race, the talented Brit tasted victory in the 62-car Carrera Cup support race at Le Mans last weekend.

Ben Barker is riding on a high after winning the Carrera Cup support event at Le Mans last weekend.
Ben Barker is riding on a high after winning the Carrera Cup support event at Le Mans last weekend.

In doing so he saw off round one winner, Earl Bamber, as well as ex-Supercup racer, Kevin Estré (now a works McLaren GT driver) around the gruelling, high-speed Circuit de la Sarthe.

Other drivers to look out for include the Porsche Junior duo of Connor de Phillippi and Alex Ribieras. The former leads the Carrera Cup Deutschland standings after taking his first win at the Hungaroring recently, while the Spaniard continues to improve with every race.

The Porsche Supercup competitors will get their first competitive taste of the Red Bull Ring circuit during practice at 4:45pm CET today, before qualifying takes place tomorrow at 12:25pm. The 14-lap race starts at 11:45am on Sunday.

Connor de Phillippi is rapidly improving and, after winning in Hungary, the Porsche Junior could spring a surprise.
Connor de Phillippi is rapidly improving and, after winning in Hungary, the Porsche Junior could spring a surprise.

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