It is now official, the young driver Romain Degeer, 17 years old, will compete this entire season in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, driving a 991 GT3 cup from the Speedlover’s team.
The winner of the 2015 Clio Cup set himself a new challenge in a highly competitive championship, in which he will most certainly be the youngest driver on the starting grid.
The main goal of this season is firstly to learn : on the one hand the car itself, as the 911 Porsche requires specific driving skills, and, on the other hand, the circuits. Even if Spa-Francorchamps, Zolder, Zandvoort are very familiar to Romain Degeer, Le Mans & the Castellet will however be a discovery.
The first rendez-vous is already fixed the 1st May at Spa Francorchamps for the first official tests.
Interview with Roman Degeer.
Why the Carrera Cup ?
At the end of the 2015 season I ask myself a lot of questions, my results in mono-brand championship lead me to continue in this domain. It was therefore evident to go towards the Carrera Cup, being the queen of these championships.
Why not the TCR or another championship ?
We have obviously considered diverse options and entered into contact with several teams, but the experience of the Benelux Carrera Cup, which is this year entering its forth season, was an essential element leading to my choice. However, I do not exclude the possibility to compete in any other championship, if such possibility is presented to me.
What are your objectives in 2016?
Everything is new for me: a more powerful car, everything is going faster, more participants on the track as Porsche is announcing no less then a 30 cars average on the starting grid, more circuits abroad, with some (Le Mans and the Le Castelet) unknown to me. 2016 will thus be a transition season. I need to find my place in the bucket seat and the proper rhythm as fast as possible. Then, if everything goes as expected, why not try to reach the top of the rankings.
Other races in sight ?
The Carrera Cup Benelux includes 6 races, this is my goal for 2016. Nevertheless, if other possibilities are brought to me during this season, we will consider them.
Any worries ?
When looking at the teams and pilots engaged, either in the Benelux Carrera Cup or the French Carrera cup as we will run 4 rounds together, I realize that some of my opponents have a sporting success I would dream of, and ,moreover, a huge experience. However, it is all the beauty of the challenge and this is what stimulates me.
Tell us about the car..
I’m sharing the car with Wim Meulders. We will both drive within the Speedlover Team of André Van Hoof. The car is a 991 Carrera Cup My2016, enjoying every last developments proposed by Porsche.
I had the opportunity to meet my partner and the car in Spa. The car is very powerful, but it forgives a lot. Unfortunately we drove on a wet track all day long. I am feeling comfortable inside the car, my timings comparing to those of the other pilots of the team were totally in the average.