New Zealand race driver Earl Bamber has picked up financial backing of more than $320,000 for his Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup campaign in Europe next year.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series winner, Bamber, 23, won the Porsche Motorsport International Cup Scholarship challenge, a two-day shootout between seven of the best drivers in the global one-make series.
Bamber was nominated by Asia Carrera Cup organisers after dominating the series with seven wins.
The scholarship drivers not only had to compete for the fastest lap time on the 3.7km test track in Germany, but also show their technical understanding and analytical skills in getting the most out of the 345kW Porsche 911 GTS Cup cars.
Part of the selection process included the simulation of a qualifying session and race.
“After evaluating all the data and an extensive analysis of lap times, Earl Bamber gave the most convincing performances of all candidates,” said Jonas Krauss, manager of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup.
“He is both quick and casino online experienced as a pilot and his personality also impressed us.
“I’m thrilled to welcome him to the world’s fastest international one-make series for the 2014 season.”
Bamber said the scholarship win was a dream come true. “When I first entered the Carrera Cup Asia it was my goal right from the beginning to be nominated for the Cup Scholarship.
“But when I got the call from Germany I couldn’t quite believe that I’d won. In the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which is contested alongside Formula 1, I’ll be up against some of the world’s best GT drivers. I’m really looking forward to pitting myself against them.”
Bamber started in karts in NZ and won his first national championship at age eight. At 15 he switched to the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship before heading off to Asia two years later.
He promptly won the Asian Formula BMW title and has been turning heads in the Asia-Pacific ever since.