Tan Sri Azman Yahya selected as driver to compete in Round 7 & 8 at Sepang using 911 GT3 Cup.... [+ click to enlarge] Tan Sri Azman Yahya (far right) is the driver for Team SDAP Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

The seventh and eighth rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia 2012 (PCCA) will take place at the Sepang International Circuit later this month of 30 Aug until 2 Sep as support race to the Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race 2012 (MME). Making its debut on the track will be the official team of Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the official importer of Porsche vehicles in Malaysia.

Spearheading Team SDAP's entry will be Tan Sri Azman Yahya, a man whose motorsports experience encompasses the the 2004 Malaysian Merdeka Endurance Race in Open Class category and the 2004 Malaysian Super Series in Supercars category, both of which he won. Like all of his PCCA competitors, Tan Sri Azman will be driving a 911 GT3 Cup on the track.

The GT3 Cup is largely based on the road-going 911 GT3 RS, being powered by the same 3.8-litre flat six, largely identical to the production-spec model, delivering 450hp and redlining at 8,500rpm. It is mated to a six-speed dog-type transmission and utilizes a racing clutch from ZF. The rear axle is also LSD-equipped.

Speaking at the press conference event, Tan Sri Azman Yahya said, “As a guest driver, I am excited to be part of the overall experience of an international championship series and ready to endure the challenges ahead. It will be a very exciting race in the all identical 911 GT3 Cup cars, where the focus is mainly on sports driving and drivers’ competencies.”

SDAP's decision to establish its own racing time is motivated by a desire to emphasize Porsche's strong motorsports heritage to its customers and enthusiasts. Thus far, the company has been organizing circuit training and track days at the SIC, and the setting up of an official team is seen as the next logical step.

The team's efforts are supported by a number of other partners, namely Sime Darby Motors, Symphony, Mobil 1, Michelin, Stand 21, Kurnia Insurance, Research in Motion (RIM), and Motorsport Playground.