Friday 19 / April / 2024
Dubai: In every Porsche there is a sports car and at the Porsche Sport Driving School (PSDS), customers and enthusiasts alike learn more about the capabilities of the two-door and four-door models produced by the Stuttgart-based manufacturer on a race-track.
Managed by certified instructors, PSDS combines the theory of handling a powerful sports car, with the practice of driving in a controlled environment. Focusing on fine tuning and honing driving skills, the training programme takes a participant through practical sessions starting with the basics of vehicle control, right through to mastering the race track and becoming a certified Porsche driver. Porsche hosted some of the best automobile journalists from the GCC countries for a training at the Dubai Autodrome recently.
Designed to accommodate varying levels of ability and driver needs, PSDS features four course levels: Precision, Performance, Master and Master RS. The Precision stage consists of a one-day course for first time participants, where they are instructed on the basics of driving dynamics and how to respond correctly during critical scenarios. Fundamentals such as effective braking, basic principles of the racing line, lapping, oversteering and understeering are all covered in a range of exercises through-out the day.
The next stage of progression for participants is performance, a course level that aims to further build on improving vehicle control, by introducing the importance of driving dynamics and vehicle control at low and high speeds. Here drivers are also instructed on how to minimise unwanted load-changing reactions.
Conducted in small groups, with performance analysed using video and data recordings, both the Master and Master RS levels are designed to further advance driving skills obtained in earlier stages of the programme. The Master RS phase also includes a workshop covering both theoretical and practical aspects, such as learning about the chassis and tyres in order to successfully transfer the power of a Porsche model to the road in the most efficient manner.
Ensuring that each participant is able to extract every aspect of driving pleasure on offer, the PSDS instructor team consists of industry-leading experts who are constantly involved in the testing, racing and development of the Porsche’s sports cars. Each course features a minimum of two instructors, advising, monitoring and optimising the learning experience.
Porsche driver training modules take place on race tracks around the world, an environment where thanks to the brand’s unrivalled racing heritage and technology transfer philosophy – a process where technology developed on the race track is implemented into its road legal sports cars – the brand’s sports cars are at home. Whether sitting behind the wheel of a two-door or four-door model, attendees are able to experience the technologies that make Porsche models true race-track performers. For example, the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) – originating from advancements in the Porsche 956 race car, in 1984 and first debuted in the 2008 Porsche 911 Carrera sport car – is transmission technology which is available in the majority of models today. When utilised on a race track, it enables the driver to maximise gear change opportunities whenever required, ensuring that the car’s performance is always at the optimum level.
Participants have the option of renting or bringing their own Porsche vehicle to the event, regardless of whether it is a two or four-door sports car. For instance, the sporty Cayenne GTS with a 3.6-litre, V6 bi-turbo engine, which produces 440 hp and 600 Nm of torque, truly showcases during a PSDS that every Porsche is indeed a sports car.
Participants wishing to enroll on a PSDS course should contact their local Porsche Centre for details.
