Origine Motorsport Prepares for Suzuka 1000km with All-Porsche Lineup
Suzuka, Japan – Origine Motorsport, a prominent Chinese GT team, has announced an all-factory-backed driver lineup for the upcoming Suzuka 1000km, part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge from September 12-14. The team will field the #6 Porsche 911 GT3 R, featuring a historic livery reminiscent of the 1981 Kremer Racing Porsche 935 K3, which marked the first victory for a foreign team at this prestigious event.
Driver Roster and Background
The racing trio includes:
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Bastian Buus: The reigning champion of the Porsche Supercup, Buus also notched an overall podium finish at the Nürburgring 24 Hours this season. He expressed excitement for the race, stating, “We’ve got a strong lineup, a stunning livery, and we’re more than ready for the challenge.”
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Laurin Heinrich: The 2024 IMSA GTD PRO champion, Heinrich returns to Origine after achieving three podiums in the Asian Le Mans Series and GT World Challenge Asia in 2024. He commented, “It feels special to join them again for such an iconic event with such legendary teammates.”
- Alessio Picariello: Coming off a strong performance at the Spa 24 Hours, where he finished second overall, Picariello has also secured a victory in this year’s GT World Challenge Asia. He spoke of the race’s significance, saying, “It’s a legendary event, and I am eager to deliver a strong performance."
Historical Significance
The livery pays homage to the 1981 race, where Henri Pescarolo and Bob Wollek executed a remarkable comeback from a seven-lap deficit to clinch victory. This nostalgia aligns with Porsche’s ongoing tradition, as Origine Motorsport is the third team to reveal a retro-inspired design for the Suzuka 1000km this week.
Team Achievements
Since its inception in 2021, Origine Motorsport has rapidly ascended the ranks of GT racing in Asia, winning the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia title in its debut season and claiming consecutive GT World Challenge Asia championship titles in 2023 and 2024. Their endurance accolades include victories in prestigious events like the Sepang 12 Hours and Shanghai 8 Hours.
Manufacturer Support
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, commented on the team’s progress, noting, “What the squad has managed to achieve since their start is nothing short of remarkable. We look forward to supporting them during this gruelling enduro."
Looking Ahead
With a total of 11 Porsche entries set to compete, the brand aims to extend its record of victories in the Suzuka 1000km, currently standing at 11 wins. The anticipation builds as fans eagerly await the action from the iconic Suzuka circuit.
This report provides a concise overview of Origine Motorsport’s upcoming participation, highlighting driver credentials, historical context, and team achievements in preparation for the Suzuka 1000km.
