Trulli Sets Sights on Long-Term Porsche Association

Photo: Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific

Enzo Trulli says his full focus is on building a career in sports car racing after joining this year’s Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and hopes to use a strong showing in his rookie season as a springboard to greater things with the Weissach marque.

The Italian driver, who is the son of Formula 1 grand prix winner Jarno, was selected to join Carrera Cup Asia this year following an audition for a spot on the Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Talent Pool roster at Sepang last December.

Despite his lack of Porsche Cup experience, Trulli made an immediate impact on the series as he scored pole and a victory driving for the TORO Racing team on his debut when the campaign opened at Shanghai International Circuit in March.

Now the 20-year-old, who also made outings in Italian GT last year at the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GT3, is hoping to build on the momentum of his strong early start as he establishes a foothold in the world of one-make Porsche competition.

“It was quite unexpected to be honest,” Trulli told Sportscar365, recalling how the chance to join Carrera Cup Asia came about. “I received a message from Porsche that I was invited to join this Talent Pool test at Sepang.

“I didn’t know the car and I didn’t know the track, so I went there not really knowing what to expect. But in the end it went well and Porsche was really happy with my performance, with my behavior on and off track, so it was really positive. 

“I won in Shanghai, so it’s going well, but I still have a lot to improve. The car is very technical and it’s hard to be fast straight away. I am trying to put everything together, which isn’t easy, but I’m gaining confidence every time I get in the car.”

After winning on his debut in Shanghai, Trulli suffered a DNF in the second race at the Chinese circuit due to a technical problem, before scoring a pair of fourth-place finishes in last weekend’s second round at Mobility Resort Motegi.

It leaves him equal third in the standings, tied with fellow Talent Pool driver Rodrigo Almeida, but 41 points behind Dylan Pereira, who has won the last three races.

“It won’t be easy because Dylan Pereira is very fast and very experienced,” said Trulli when asked if he felt a title assault in his rookie season was realistic.

“To challenge him in my first year is already good, but to win a championship, you have to do everything perfect. You have to have a bit of luck.

“We’ll see in the end. I’m more focused on improving myself and trying to be consistently in the top three. That’s the target.”

With his single-seater career having come to an end after 2023, when he was abruptly dropped by Super Formula Lights team TOM’S after a rookie season in which he won two races, Trulli says his full focus is now on endurance racing.

He outlined a desire to climb the ladder through Cup and GT3 racing with Porsche, and eventually stake a claim to a drive in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship if he continues to perform well.

“I have this opportunity with Porsche, which is one of the biggest brands in the world, so it would be amazing to keep working with them,” said Trulli. “It all depends on how I perform on track, but I would love to have a career with Porsche.

“It will be tough, and I need to build experience. But the plan is to do well with this car, and then see what the future will bring. I hope one day to make it to Hypercar.”