Matt Blyth sampled Porsche power for the first time on Monday (March 3rd) as he took part in an exclusive test of the very latest Porsche 997 GT3 sportscar - as raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. Matt is targeting racing in the prestigious series in 2008, and the test was his first time at the wheel of one of the powerful 997 GT3s, the experience leaving the rapid local racer all the more determined to find the budget to get himself on the grid this season.
For his one-hour run in the 400bhp sportscar Matt had the Snetterton circuit to himself, and the support of one of the leading Porsche teams as he took to the Norfolk circuit. With the track hired by Porsche for the day, Matt could focus on learning the complex car - despite adverse weather conditions.
"It was a fantastic car to drive, " said Matt after the test. "The car is heavier than the Caterhams I have raced before, but it was great, the power delivery was so smooth and I learnt a lot as well as enjoying myself in the car.
"I got the worst of the weather though on the day, I had only done one lap when it started to snow, and it even hailed for a while. I had to come in and wait while the team fitted on wet weather tyres, and my first laps out in a car that powerful on a wet track were a bit interesting! I had to learn how to apply that power in these conditions, and I was able to start pushing the car as I got more used to it.
"The test has made me even more determined to race these cars, and I am still hopeful of being on the grid at Brands Hatch at the end of the month. There is still a lot of work to be done to make that happen, and I need to work to find the budget to get out in what is one of the country's highest-profile sportscar series, but now I am really sure the Carrera Cup is where I want to be."
The Porsche Carrera Cup GB is run by Porsche GB and is one of the permanent support races to the prestigious British Touring Car Championship - the Porsche racers taking to the track in front of some of the biggest crowds in British motorsport and at all the major circuits. The season kicks off with two races at Brands Hatch, Kent, on the final weekend of March.
