Porsche’s new 911 GT3 Cup car will make its debut at the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season opener in Catalunya, Barcelona this weekend, but that’s not the biggest news here. One of the cars will be wrapped in the iconic Martini Racing Stripes as part of the company’s 150 Anniversary celebration this year, re-igniting the long-standing partnership between two motorsport legends.
It takes a special driver worthy of the cause to race the iconic car and nine-time WRC world champion Sebastian Loeb fits the bill just nicely. Fresh off his Rally Argentina win last week, the Frenchman will compete in two rounds of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup; Catalunya (May 12) and Monte Carlo (May 26). A yet unnamed driver will take the wheel at the Martini home circuit, Monza later in the year on September 8.
The Martini Racing livery has had a long history in motorsports, featuring on Brabham and Lotus Formula 1 cars in the ‘70s, and later moving on to the rallying scene to much success with Lancia and more recently Ford. The Delta Integrale and 037 rally cars along with driver Juha Kankkunen achieved their legendary status while associated with Martini Racing Stripes.
But it’s with sportscar racing and Porsche in particular that Martini Racing is most prominently associated with. Together they dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning in 1971, 1976 and 1977 as well taking a surprise victory at the Targa Florio in 1973. Success stories don’t go any more illustrious than that.
Just last year, Porsche even dressed up its development 918 Spyder mule in Martini Racing colours. Come this weekend, the partnership is revived again on the racetrack for the world to see. I for one have got a nice empty spot on my wall for a modern day Porsche Martini Racing poster. Anyone else with the same thoughts?
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Now thats a refreshing change.
About a year ago I lamented missing the old racing colours…and now its back….along with the Gulf cars. Perhaps one day we will also see the M colours back with BMW.
Too bad the traditional tobacco sponsored livery is gone for good.
Classic and Legendary
I hope they (Porsche) will dress up Martini livery in LMP1 for next year return to Le Mans event.