Multiple champion Craig Baird will return to defend his Porsche Carrera Cup Australia title after agreeing a new deal with Porsche Centre Melbourne.
The five-time Carrera Cup Australia champion will get behind the wheel of the brand new Porsche 991 GT3 as he bids for an unprecedented sixth championship.
Baird will run in a distinctive new red and white livery, as pictured, which will display new sponsors Bonaire and Wilson Security, who were crucial in the formulation of the deal.
Fellow competitor Marc Cini also featured heavily in getting Baird back on the Carrera Cup grid this year.
Despite an illustrious career in Porsches that has seen the Kiwi claim a staggering 11 titles, his desire to win continues to burn brightly.
“You always go out to win,” Baird told Speedcafe.com.
“I’ve won the last three championships in a row in Australia so there is nothing really to prove but you just go out and try to put your best foot forward. The competition is always tough all season but I’ve always surrounded myself with a good team.
“Its a refreshing start with a new car and new sponsors on board in Bonaire and Wilson Security joining Jet Travel Insurance. Porsche Centre Melbourne have been fantastic and its nice to continue that relationship.”
Baird has already sampled the new Porsche 991 GT3 2014 spec car at Sydney Motorsport Park last month, but has revealed he won’t test his new machine until the opening round at Clipsal from February 27- March 2.
“I’ve got a good baseline to start with and having driven the car a couple of times it is a big step up, the car is very much like a GT car,” added Baird.
“The combination of the car, Michelin tyres and the paddle shift gearbox makes it such a pleasure to drive.”