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Ben Barker records top ten finish in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup

Ben Barker recorded a credible top ten finish on his debut in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, scoring points first time out at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona as fellow Brit Sean Edwards claimed a maiden victory for the season.

The practice sessions in Spain represented only Barker’s second outing in the Team Bleekemolen car, but he defied his similar inexperience of the Barcelona circuit to post times in the top six, and reported improvements to the handling of the new 991-based 911 GT3 Cup machine as he and the team made a raft of changes throughout the session.

Barker was in great spirits ahead of his maiden Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season

Confidence was high in the Barker camp before qualifying, but a couple of small mistakes on his first run left him towards the tail of the top ten, dropping to 13th as some of his rivals used new tyres to go quicker on their next attempt. Bolting on his own set of fresh rubber, the Briton climbed a couple of spots in the order but was left to rue another small error on his best lap: “I locked up in the middle sector, and that probably cost me three-tenths of a second,” Barker confirmed. “I was among the fastest of all through sectors one and three, so would definitely have been higher up the order.

Barker’s time still put him ahead of some illustrious company, with nine-time World Rally Championship winner Sebastian Loeb and former British Touring Car champion and World Touring Car racewinner Alain Menu both behind him on the grid. At the start of the 14-lap race, however, the Briton lingered a little too long on the clutch, allowing Loeb to get the better of him on the run to turn one, but wasted little time in returning the compliment, taking the place back from the Frenchman into the hairpin on the opening lap.

Sebastien Loeb made a guest appearance in his Martini-liveried GT3 Cup 911

With Supercup regular Kevin Estre sidelined before the start, the battle with Loeb would become one for a top ten finish, as well as being a highlight for both the spectators at the circuit and those watching live on Eurosport, where both drivers received a good deal of airtime. Loeb’s on board camera caught the Frenchman’s attempt to wrestle the spot back at the hairpin – only to also show Barker cutting back under the ‘guest driver’ to reclaim the advantage!

Barker enjoyed a gripping duel with Loeb for a top ten place

Once back ahead of his rival, Barker was able to establish a cushion that ensured he was able to cross the line in tenth place, securing six points towards his championship campaign, but was unable to bridge the gap that he opened out in front whilst he was battling. “The scrap with Sebastian was great!” Barker enthused, “It may not have been for the podium, but it was good to come out on top and make sure I finished in the top ten on my Supercup debut.

At the top of the grid, seasoned Supercup driver Sean Edwards ensured his season got off to the perfect start, leading the race from pole to take the chequred flag seven seconds ahead of second-placed Nicki Thiim, the dane himself rising up from the back of the field throughout this opening spectacle.

Left to right: Nicki Thiim (2nd), Sean Edwards (1st, Sean Ammermüller (3rd)

The second round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place in Monaco over the weekend of 24-26 May.

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