Absolute Racing returned to winning ways in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, as series newcomer Alexander Tauscher secured a superb victory in the second race of the weekend at the Zhuhai International Circuit in China.
With Marvin Klein unavailable due to other commitments, fellow German Tauscher stepped into the No.88 Absolute Racing entry, while the No.89 car remained in the hands of compatriot Montego Maassen. The 23-year-old, a race winner in Porsche Carrera Cup Germany, brought valuable experience; however, unlike much of the field, he was unfamiliar with the Zhuhai circuit prior to Friday.
Following two challenging free practice sessions, qualifying proved equally demanding for Absolute Racing’s drivers in the new Porsche 911 Cup (992.2) machinery. Maassen secured P7 and P10 across the sessions, while Tauscher qualified P9 and P5.
Saturday’s race saw both Absolute Racing entries running closely together for much of the contest. In a race interrupted by a Safety Car, where overtaking in traffic proved particularly difficult, Tauscher fought back from ninth on the grid to finish sixth on the road, with Maassen just behind. Post-race penalties reshuffled the order, promoting Tauscher to fifth overall, while Maassen was classified eighth following a 10-second penalty for a jump start.
Sunday’s second race, held at China’s first permanent racing circuit, proved decisive from the outset. Tauscher made a strong start and skilfully avoided the chaos at Turn 1. Although he briefly lost a position, he capitalised on the opening lap to gain three places.
Setting his sights on the lead, Tauscher made a decisive move on the opening lap to take control of the race. Despite a subsequent Safety Car period, the German driver maintained his composure and pace, pulling away confidently to secure his maiden victory in Asia and Absolute Racing’s first win since returning to the one-make series this year.
Maassen narrowly missed out on the podium after a strong drive of his own. Starting from tenth, he surged to fourth on the opening lap and remained firmly in contention throughout. Although he briefly dropped to fifth following the Safety Car restart, he regained the position with a decisive overtake, ultimately finishing fourth for the second time this season.
Tam Principal Fabien Fior said: “We’re delighted to be back on the top step of the podium, securing our first win of the season in Carrera Cup Asia. Zhuhai holds a special place for the team, so to win here again is particularly meaningful. Congratulations to Alexander, who adapted quickly, bounced back from a tough qualifying session, and made the most of every opportunity. Monti is still learning, but he’s already showing strong pace at times. We know there’s still plenty of hard work ahead, but this result is a great boost for everyone involved.”
Race winner Tauscher added: “It felt like the perfect response after a tough build-up. We struggled in practice and only just improved in qualifying, so to come back like that in race conditions meant a lot. In the heat, especially with traffic, you’re almost out of the fight, but we caught a bit of luck at the start and made it count. Once I had clean air, the pace came alive. Rodrigo kept me honest, pushing hard after the restarts, and I had to defend a few times. But as the tyre pressures came in, I could pull away. At turn one, it was pure instinct - hit the brakes and hope. We just about made it through, and from there, it was all about control and focus.”
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia now heads to Japan, where Rounds 5 and 6 of the championship will take place at Fuji Speedway.
