Jono Lester Bahrain Supercup test preview

MORE PORSCHE SUPERCUP TESTING AHEAD FOR LESTER

New Zealand Porsche racing driver Jono Lester will travel to Bahrain in December to complete his second Porsche Supercup testing programme with Lechner Racing.

Lester impressed in testing with the Austrian Lechner Racing team earlier this year at the Hungaroring Grand Prix circuit in Hungary, and is now working closely with team management to finalise his place in the 2010 Porsche Mobil1 Supercup.

Lester and current Porsche Supercup driver Stefan Rosina will test a number of the new 2010 Porsche GT3 Cup cars between them in the lead up to Christmas at the Bahrain Formula One circuit.

During this time the pair will gain valuable mileage behind the wheel of the new and upgraded 911 race cars, and for Lester it will also provide a chance to learn the circuit where the opening two rounds of the 2010 Porsche Mobil1 Supercup will be held in March next year.

"It's really exciting to be given another opportunity to head overseas and test with the Lechner Racing team and Porsche Motorsport," Lester said.

"I really need to pick up where I left off in Hungary, and driving under pressure on an unfamiliar circuit, in a new car and in the sticky Bahrain heat is something I'll have to expect a lot of next year. It's the perfect preparation."

The 2010 Porsche GT3 Cup car is another step up from the current 2008-09 models being raced in Carrera Cups around the world, and is now based on the GT3 RS model.

"The new Cup car is a real weapon, and the most noticeable change is the larger 3.8 litre engine with around 450 horsepower," Lester explained.

"Then, as with the 996-997 progression of a few years back, there's a wider rear track and larger rear wheels, flared arches and a rear wing that's around nine inches wider and positioned a lot higher off the boot lid. It really dominates the car and the extra down force will be really beneficial to lap times."

Back home, Lester will not be competing in the Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge this season after three consecutive championships behind the wheel of the Blackwoods Paykels GT3.

"I'm really disappointed not to be racing at home this season and the [GT3 Cup Challenge] series is looking more competitive than it ever has. The race mileage would have been valuable, however there's no better way to prepare for the Supercup than to do so in the new Cup car, and the experience and expertise of Walter [Lechner] and his engineers will ensure we make the most of this great opportunity and roll up to round one ready for action!"

-credit: jl