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Five Supercup pilots contest the 24 hour classic

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup is strongly represented at the 24 hour race in Daytona. Five drivers from the world's fastest international one-make race series tackle the spring classic in Florida/USA with the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. In recognition of their outstanding performances last season, Porsche AG has given the double Supercup champion René Rast (Germany) and Frenchman Kévin Estre as "Rookie of the Year" the chance to participate in the 50th anniversary running of the legendary sports car race on the Daytona International Speedway.

"René and Kévin displayed extraordinary prowess during the 2011 season," says Jonas Krauss, Head of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. "So with support from Porsche, they have earned the chance to prove themselves in the fiercely-contested GT class of this long distance classic against very strong competition." Other pilots from the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Daytona are Britain's Sean Edwards and Nick Tandy as well as Jeroen Bleekemolen from the Netherlands.

On the way to his second title after 2010, René Rast celebrated five victories last year, including races on the storied Grand Prix circuits of Spa and Silverstone. Moreover, the German won the Porsche Carrera World Cup on the famed Nürburgring-Nordschleife. "For me, Daytona is a real highlight to kick off the new season," says Rast about his Daytona campaign with Magnus Racing. "It's not every day a race driver gets the chance to contest such a prestigious 24 hour race with Porsche backup. This is really something very special." Kévin Estre was not only the most successful Supercup newcomer by far in 2011 - he also secured his first victory in this intensely competitive one-make series in the Royal Park of Monza.

The Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup has run as support to the Formula 1 World Championship since 1993. Estre is excited about his debut in Daytona with TRG Racing. "I thank Porsche for this unique chance," he says. "I'll do my best to justify their trust and to represent the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup well."