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

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 continued support of a number of long-term partners, Max Coates was able to confirm his entry into the opening round of the season at Donington Park as late as the Monday of race week. Despite the limited preparation time, Coates returned to the grid following a successful debut campaign in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, where he secured two race victories. For the 2026 season, he continues behind the wheel of the #71 Graves Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car.

In his first outing on new tyres this season, Coates delivered an impressive qualifying performance, securing 6th position—just 0.332 seconds off pole and only 0.129 seconds shy of second place. It was a clear indication of the pace he would carry into race day.

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

The reverse grid race followed in similar suit, Max up to 2nd 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.  While preparing an overtake for 2nd place, an incident involving debris on track caused significant damage to his front splitter—an essential aerodynamic component. The loss of downforce had an immediate impact on performance, ultimately dropping him back to a 5th-place finish. As the dust settles on the opening round, Coates remarkably sits 3rd in the overall championship standings. 

The 2026 campaign is supported by a loyal group of long-term partners, alongside several new sponsors joining the journey. Continued backing from Primex Plastics and others remains instrumental to the team’s success. After the weekends racing Max said, "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 9th and 10th 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.