Walkinshaw to run factory-backed Porsche

The squad has cut back its V8 Supercars programme for the 2016 season, dropping the two satellite entries it ran until the end of 2015 to focus on the two Holden Racing Team cars.

The team has now opted to re-expand in a slightly different direction, with a GT3-spec Porsche on its way to Australian to run in the Australian GT Championship.

“The GT3 category has enjoyed much success globally and is at the forefront of motorsport around the world – we are looking forward to being a part of that as a factory-supported team,” said boss Ryan Walkinshaw.

“We are delighted to be introducing the first Porsche GT3 R to the Australian GT starting grid as I know it will be very competitive on-track and will attract a lot of support from the Australian public.

“My family has a rich history in endurance racing and under the Porsche brand the Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR) designed Porsche WSC-95 won two Le Mans 24-hour races in 1996 and 1997.

“To once again be representing Porsche, in Australia and potentially internationally, is something we are very proud of and we look forward to achieving big things together.”

Porsche’s Australian motorsport boss Paul Ellis added that the Walkinshaw outfit was a perfect fit to run the brand’s GT programme.

“In the Walkinshaw Group we have a partner well capable of bringing Porsche outright success in GT racing in this part of the world,” said Ellis.

“It's great to have a professional and successful operation such as Walkinshaw Group make a commitment to campaign a GT3 R in Australia and the greater Asia Pacific region.

“Porsche and Walkinshaw have a successful history in Europe dating back to the WSC Le Mans prototype of the mid to late ‘90s, so it's wonderful to see that association now reborn in Australia with the new GT3 R.

“It is critical for Porsche to have a strong presence in GT racing in Asia Pacific beyond the already successful one-make Carrera Cup championships in the region.”

There are no details on who will race the car, or when it will actually make its AGT debut.