Grove Porsche locks down international line-up for Bathurst
Grove Racing has signed Briton Ben Barker and Swiss Alexandre Imperatori to partner team owner Stephen Grove in its Carrera Cup car at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
#4 Grove Motorsport Porsche 997 GT3 Cup: Stephen Grove, Scott McLaughlin, Earl Bamber
Herb Powell
Running a current-spec Cup Car for the first time, Grove is looking to add to its two Group B class wins with a third at Mount Panorama this year.
To help make that happen the squad his signed Porsche Supercup (and former Carrera Cup Australia) driver Barker, along with Imperatori, who was part of Rebellion Racing’s LMP1 line-up in the World Endurance Championship last season.
“The first and most important thing is to finish the race, explained Grove.
“Our expectations are that we need to finish the race and if we do a good job we’ll be in a good position to be on the podium.
“It’s a really good mix of drivers; we went for guys who had lots of experience in a Porsche. Ben and Alex are very experienced Porsche drivers overseas and it was important to get some guys with that experience.
“The Porsche is pretty unique to drive without any of the driving aids. I’ve raced with Ben in 2014 when we were successful in winning, and again in 2015 when we got onto the podium, so he was a natural guy to go and get.
“Alex will be quick up there and has good enduro experience.”
According to Imperatori, locking down a Bathurst 12 Hour drive is something he’s been looking to do for a while.
“I am absolutely stoked going to Bathurst for the 12H race,” he said.
“It’s a race that has been on my list for a very long time and I can’t wait to get there. Even though I have done a fair bit of endurance racing, Bathurst is a monument of its own and I’m looking forward to the challenge of this amazing track and event.
“The race track itself is what I’m most excited about. I just can’t wait to get on track and experience this roller coaster. Bathurst is clearly one of the few real challenges still out there in a world of modern race tracks.
“I have always enjoyed these difficult circuits such as Macau and Nurburgring and for me Bathurst is right up there with these iconic circuits. Obviously the history of The Mountain and its place as the spiritual home of motorsport in Australia makes the place even more special!”
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