Thiim scores Saturday Porsche Supercup victory as title contenders collide

Nicki Thiim claimed victory in Saturday's Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup race at Circuit of the Americas, leading all 14 laps from pole, while the F1 support series title contenders Kuba Giermaziak and Earl Bamber collided.

Pole Giermaziak was defending fourth place from New Zealand's Bamber when the latter turned Giermaziak’s car into the outside wall. Bamber persevered to take fourth, while Giermaziak wound up 11th.

Michael Ammermuller was second with Klaus Bachle, Bamber and Phillip Eng rounding out the top five. Sean Johnston led the American contingent in 12th.

Bamber has the pole for Sunday’s second race. Ammermuller and Thiim start second and third; Giermaziak starts fifth. Giermaziak now must win and have Bamber finish 10th or worse to take the title.