Coates last minute return to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB rewarded by podium finish

Max Coates in action at Donington Park at the weekend

Yorkshireman Max Coates made a sensational, last-minute return to the BTCC support paddock this past weekend, securing a podium finish and sitting 3rd in the championship standings after the first race weekend of the season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB.

Thanks to the support of a number of long-term partners Max was only able to commit to the season opening round at Donington Park on the Monday, earlier that week.  Following a successful debut season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, in which he took two wins, Coates continued with his number 71, Graves Motorsport, 510hbp, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.  He entered the season opener with no pre-season testing and a smaller tyre budget than his rivals. Despite these hurdles, the weekend proved to showcase his raw speed and racing experience.

Following a whirlwind lead-up to the event, Coates took part in two test sessions on Thursday and posted competitive times. This was especially impressive considering it was the first time driving the race car since he won at Brands Hatch in October last year and his tyre age was significantly older than those of his rivals. On his first drive on new tyres this season he took 6th position in qualifying, a mere 0.332 from pole position and 0.129 from 2^nd place.

Sunday’s race action, broadcast LIVE on ITV4, saw Coates demonstrate exactly why he is considered one of the grid’s most formidable competitors, gaining ground on the opening lap into 4^th place.  He put pressure on the podium battle but ultimately couldn’t find a way through.  After the race another driver was given a penalty which promoted Max to 3^rd, his first race on podium finish in his Porsche Carrera Cup campaigns.

The reverse grid race followed in similar suit, Max up to 2^nd at the start.  He was passed in the early stages but as the race developed, he started setting fastest race laps and attacking to gain his erstwhile position back.  When shaping up for an overtake on 2^nd place the pair ran over a front splitter, an aerodynamic device attached to the front of the car, which destroyed Max’s own splitter. This caused him to significantly lose downforce, therefore lap time and position.  He dropped down to finish 5^th at the flag.

As the dust settles on the opening round, Coates remarkably sits 3rd in the overall championship standings.  A result that earlier in the week seemed very unlikely, but with thanks to his long term partners and the support of the team at Graves Motorsport, Max was able to make the grid for the first event of the season.  New partners Brandfixx, modular vehicle branding experts, performed a minor miracle, designing and printing the car’s striking graphics in just three days to meet the deadline of the looming race weekend.

The 2026 campaign is bolstered by a loyal roster of long-term sponsors and several new additions. Continued support comes from Primex Plastics, Plas-Tech, Alcema, Beatsons Building Supplies, NGK Spark Plugs, and Green Bricks. This year marks a significant milestone for CTL Dental, who are now in their 10th year of supporting Max’s racing career. Max is delighted to welcome Drive Lodge Motorhomes, Brandfixx, Kip&Nook, and SearchLand to the team.

After the weekends racing Max said, “I can’t thank the team at Graves Motorsport and Brandfixx enough for turning the car around so quickly to get us out on track.  To come away with a podium and sit third in the points after no testing and limited tyre usage is just reward for the continued and new support from my partners. It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved.  On a personal level I’m proud of our race one podium, my first in the opening race of the weekend. With the grid set from qualifying, this is a marker of raw pace and I think we showed that this weekend.”

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB continues to be a highlight of the British motorsport calendar, supporting the British Touring Car Championship at another seven events this season, next up Brands Hatch on the 9^th and 10^th May, followed by Snetterton, Thruxton, Max’s home event at Croft, Donington Park GP, Silverstone and the finale at Brands Hatch in October. Most of Max’s Sunday races are televised live on ITV4 and globally on YouTube.