Absolute Racing came close to the podium as the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia launched its 23rd season at the Shanghai International Circuit, supporting the Chinese Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
For the opening round of the 2026 season, German youngster Montego Maassen lined up alongside full-season driver Marvin Klein at the wheel of two new Porsche 911 Cup (992.2) cars. Maassen, son of Macau Grand Prix F3 winner and accomplished Porsche driver Sascha Maassen, had the opportunity to meet the team during the official test at Zhuhai earlier this month, as did former Porsche Carrera Cup France champion Klein.
The team knew from day one that it would not be an easy Shanghai weekend for the drivers, both of whom were new to the circuit. With only one Free Practice session on Friday to learn the track before Qualifying on Saturday morning, the challenge was clear.
On Saturday morning, Klein drew on his Carrera Cup experience to post the fourth-fastest time in the single qualifying session, while Maassen qualified in 11th.
Motivation was high for the opening race of the season, but unfortunately a sizeable accident at the start resulted in a heavy impact with the barriers. The race was not restarted due to the work required to repair the barriers. As fewer than two complete racing laps had been completed, the race was declared null and void. Championship points (50% of the usual allocation) were subsequently awarded based on the official qualifying classification.
Sunday's first race of the weekend followed contrasting paths for the two drivers. Klein held his position at the start, but contact at Turn 14 in the opening laps while trying to move up the order damaged his car's steering rod. Forced to nurse a damaged car, the Frenchman did well to keep his position, ultimately dropping to seventh at the flag.
Starting from 11th on the grid, Maassen made a good start and quickly began picking off positions. The young German managed to overtake his teammate with two laps remaining, crossing the finish line in sixth and applying pressure to the car ahead right up to the chequered flag.
Commenting about the weekend, Team Principal Fabien Fior said: "We are happy to be back in the series, although this was a very atypical Carrera Cup Asia weekend. We weren't able to show our full potential, but we are pleased with our drivers and the teamwork throughout. Marvin was involved in an unfortunate collision in Race 2 that limited his performance, while Montego demonstrated his talent by moving up the order. We are already looking forward to the next race.”
The Carrera Cup Asia continues from 10–12 April at the Zhuhai International Circuit, the first permanent circuit built in the People's Republic of China.
