Steven Richards Motorsport has taken delivery of its first BMW M6 GT3 ahead of the manufacturer’s entry into the Australian GT Championship this year.

Richards and BMW plan on running two cars under the SRM Team BMW banner at selected AGTC events, starting with Albert Park in mid-March.

The V8-powered M6 is a new homologation for the booming GT3 class in 2016, replacing the company’s ageing Z4.

“It’s a pretty impressive piece of gear… I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited,” said Richards of the car’s arrival at his Dandenong workshop.

“I’ve had a few new race cars in my time, but this one takes the cake. I just can’t wait to drive it.”

Richards’ team is gearing up to run multiple customer cars in the category alongside its existing Carrera Cup program.

“We’ve got all the technical backup and all the assistance from BMW in Germany to help us out, it’s just about getting familiar (with the car),” said Richards.

“In terms of driving the car, that’s not going to be an issue. We’ll be able to get on the pace as soon as possible.”

The four-time Bathurst 1000 winner added that next February’s Bathurst 12 Hour is already on his mind.

“BMW would like to see three or four of these cars running in Australia,” he explained.

“They see it as a great way to platform other marketing activities that they’ve got planned over the course of the next 12 months and two years.

“There’s no doubt at the end of that a focus on the 12 Hour. That’s where we want to be in 2017 with a car that’s capable of winning the race.”

VIDEO: BMW M6 arrives in Australia

GALLERY: SRM BMW M6