Duckhams Yuasa Racing maintained its strong form in both the Porsche Carrera Cup GB and Porsche Sprint Challenge GB at the weekend (19–21 September), securing four podium finishes at Silverstone.

Arriving at the home of the British Grand Prix, the team was firmly in the fight for titles in both series, with Jacob Tofts continuing his RS Pro battle in the Sprint Challenge and Max Coates competing for Pro-Am honours in the Carrera Cup.

Jacob set the pace in practice and qualified fourth on Saturday morning, just 0.061 seconds from pole. Rain arrived before the opening race, leaving the circuit damp but not fully wet, and the field was allowed to change tyres if required. Opting to stay on slicks, Jacob dropped to 13th off the line before a Safety Car and subsequent red flag. At the restart he quickly climbed to eighth, then moved through to second place as conditions improved, holding that result to the finish with a strong drive.

Sunday began with race two, where Jacob retained fourth at the start and moved into third by turn two, before inheriting second as the leader ran wide. However, an incident brought out the red flag, and the result was declared after just one lap. In the final race, he again started well, holding second and immediately challenged the leader. After a Safety Car period, he pushed hard but, under pressure from behind, had to settle for second place. However, with three podiums across the weekend, he closed to within nine points of the championship lead ahead of the final rounds.

In the Carrera Cup, Max was sixth fastest in practice and matched that performance in qualifying – second in Pro-Am. He started race one strong, running sixth overall before a lock-up dropped him back, but chasing down the final Pro-Am podium place, he fought hard in the closing stages to get by and secure third in class. In race two, he was shuffled wide at the start by a Pro driver, losing a class position and track position. Working hard to close back in on the podium places during the final 10 laps, he had to settle for fourth in Pro-Am at the flag.

Jacob, Max, and Duckhams Yuasa Racing now prepare for the season finale at Brands Hatch on the Grand Prix circuit (3–5 October), with both drivers in contention for their respective championship titles.

#27 Jacob Tofts – Porsche Sprint Challenge GB
Race 1: Grid – 4th, Result – 2nd

Race 2: Grid – 4th, Result – 2nd

Race 3: Grid – 2nd, Result – 2nd

RS Pro Championship: 2nd (99 points)

“Before race one, we went to the assembly area on slicks and it rained. At that point I thought we should be on wets, but after seeing the last two corners I realised slicks would come good later in the race. It was a risk, but thankfully, it paid off! I was the only Pro to do it, so it was a difficult choice but one that worked well.

“I felt we had the pace to win both Sunday races, but race two was cut short and I hope everyone is okay. In the final contest, the leader defended well and with pressure from behind I couldn’t take too many risks. Still, it was a huge swing in the championship. Thanks to Duckhams, Yuasa, and everyone who’s supported me. We’ll give everything at Brands Hatch.”

#71 Max Coates – Porsche Carrera Cup GB
Race 1: Grid – 6th, Result – 8th (3rd in Pro-Am)

Race 2: Grid – 7th, Result – 10th (4th in Pro-Am)

Pro-Am Championship: 2nd (99 points)

“It was a weekend of some missed opportunities. The championship is on my mind, so in a way, where we finish in relation to our main rivals is more important. The pace we had was strong and I felt I could drive as well as I have all season, but it didn’t quite go our way.

“I managed to get onto the podium in race one, but that meant the same driver knew what was coming in race two, so I had to try something else. I did manage to get alongside, but he hung me out and I wasn't going to be able to get around without making contact, so I had to settle for fourth. Sadly, the gap to the points leader has grown but it's not over, and we'll head to Brands Hatch fighting hard for the title.”