Since the first Porsche Supercup race in 1993 as part of the Monaco Grand Prix, no driver in the series has managed to win the race more than twice. Today, Larry ten Voorde made history by securing his third victory in the Principality!
Monaco has its own unique flair and for permanent drivers and teams of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, it is quite literally an exclusive highlight. As a rule, no guest drivers take part. Fans are closer to the racing action here than anywhere else. Top positions on this circuit are especially significant – where else do you dine as a race winner later on at the invitation of the Prince? Welcome to Round 2 of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup 2024!
After changeable weather conditions at the start of the long race weekend with wet tarmac in practice, the Circuit de Monaco showed its best side in qualifying and the race: 25° outdoor temperature, sunshine, light wind – perfect racing conditions.
Before the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice Session, other series were still racing in the rain. However, as the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entered the track, the sky cleared and the racing line gradually dried out. Many drivers pushed the physical limits of their cars, using the runoff area at Sainte Devote without any bigger damage. By the end, most drivers switched to slick tires and the lap times improved, including those of 2015 Monaco winner Jaap van Lagen (NLD), who finished the session second fastest behind Harry King (GBR). It was a great preview of the tight race action expected in the coming days.
In the Qualifying Session Larry ten Voorde (NLD) showcased his dominance once again by setting the fastest Supercup race lap in Monaco with a time of 1:32.846 minutes, following his record-setting fastest lap in Imola. Harry King, who was just behind him, saw his final attempt to match Ten Voorde's top time abruptly halted by a red flag caused by Samer Shahin (AUS). Afterwards, he was as contrite as the crumpled left side of Shahin's Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. However, the Briton made it clear that, in his opinion, anything is possible in Monaco, even from P2 – something he had already demonstrated in 2023.
Keagan Masters (ZAF) and Kas Haverkort (NLD) followed in third and fourth place on the grid, a huge success for the two young drivers. Haverkort was also the fastest rookie in qualifying. He was obviously able to put his experience of Monaco from formula racing to good use. Marvin Klein (FRA) followed in P5. Jaap van Lagen ended up on P6 and made sure all former Monaco winners were settled in the top ten for the race on sunday.
Ten Voorde confidently in front – Ghiretti and De Haan in the infight.
During the race on Sunday afternoon, Larry ten Voorde was once again in top form. Therefore, it was no surprise to anyone watching the Monaco race that he controlled P1 from the start, successfully keeping Harry King at bay, just as he had done in the first race in Imola. Keagan Masters was new at the front this time in P3 – he completed a faultless race. Behind him, the field shuffled after the start: Marvin Klein (FRA) was able to move up to P4 at the end of the first lap with a spirited overtaking manoeuvre in the Rascasse. Kas Haverkort thus lost his qualifying
position and had to settle for P5 for the time being. Jaap van Lagen on P6 created a gap behind the leading quintet – he was chased by Huub van Eijndhoven (NLD) and a group of other drivers.
The standout duel of the 2024 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race in Monaco unfolded between Porsche Junior Alessandro Ghiretti (FRA) and rookie Robert de Haan (NLD), as they engaged in a thrilling battle for position throughout the race. The intensity peaked between Casino and Portier, where de Haan repeatedly attempted to edge his race car's nose into Ghiretti's diffuser. Despite numerous position changes, heated team radio exchanges prompted by the close encounters, and directives from race control, Ghiretti ultimately emerged victorious in this high-octane contest that thrilled racing fans.
Meanwhile, the two-time Monaco winner Ten Voorde led a solitary race at the front. Last year's winner Harry King looked for opportunities but lost Ten Voorde's slipstream by the third lap. He laconically reported via team radio later in the cool-down lap, "It was not my Sunday." Marvin Klein had to let Kas Haverkort pass him again on lap 6 – his attack on lap one was deemed too bold by race control. From that moment on, he once again pursued the Dutchman in P5, with both ultimately crossing the finish line in the same position. Louis Rousset (FRA) was the only – yet unlucky – DNF of the weekend: He crashed his Porsche 911 GT3 Cup into the wall before entering the tunnel, resulting in him parking his car in the pits.
Veni, vidi, vici – Ten Voorde is king of Monaco 2024.
With three victories in Monaco, Larry ten Voorde achieved a historic feat never before seen in the Supercup. Not only did he secure crucial points for himself and his Schumacher CLRT team in the standings, but he also etched his name into the record books as the sole Supercup record winner on the prestigious circuit in the Principality. Understandably, the Dutchman was ecstatic at the finish line, receiving congratulations not only from his team but also from competitors like runner-up Harry King. Keagan Masters delivered an outstanding performance for Ombra Racing, securing a solid third place and relishing his first champagne shower of the season.
After a very strong performance, Kas Harverkort finished first in the Rookie Classification ahead of youngster Robert de Haan, who ultimately crossed the finish line in P9, and his closest rival, Mathys Jaubert (FRA). Jaubert managed to find redemption after a setback at the start of the previous race, marking a positive turn in his season. As we bid farewell to Monaco, let's celebrate the exceptional
performance of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup!
The third round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup takes place in the picturesque setting of the Styrian Alps. At the Red Bull Ring, Larry ten Voorde had a significant moment in 2022 when he collided with his current teammate Marvin Klein, altering the course of the championship. Last year, he had an intense battle with former Porsche Junior Bastian Buus. As we look forward to this season, we're curious to see what the new driver line-up will bring.
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Overall Standings after Round 2 in Monaco