Former Supercars full-timer Andre Heimgartner has confirmed plans to compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup, beginning at this weekend’s Clipsal 500 season opener.

The 21-year-old Kiwi had been in contention to secure the second Supercars seat at Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport but has now elected to join top Carrera Cup outfit Sonic Motor Racing Services.

Heimgartner, who considered a possible move into Australian GT, will pilot the #777 Bob Jane T-Marts entry on the Adelaide streets.

While having a sufficient budget to continue in Supercars, Heimgartner’s management and sponsor group decided Carrera Cup was a better fit for 2017.

“To sign up with a top ranking team within what is a prestigious and respected racing series is very exciting and I am really looking forward to seeing what we can do together in 2017,” said Heimgartner.

“I really appreciated the opportunities afforded to me in 2016 with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport and send my thanks to all in the team for their support across last year’s season.

“While I won’t be competing in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship full-time in 2017, I of course extend my best wishes to LDM and the entire field for the upcoming season.

“I am also working on co-driving possibilities amongst the Supercars field and am hopeful that I will make a return to the main game sometime in the future.

“In the meantime, I am so very lucky to enjoy the support of an amazing sponsor group who have stuck by me throughout what has been a topsy-turvy few months and backed me to enable me to lock in a promising drive for 2017 with a top-running outfit.

“I can’t wait to see what 2017 has in store!”

Sonic Motor Racing Services boss Michael Ritter is confident Heimgartner will impress in the one-make category.

“Andre is a real talent and great to deal with off the track as well, we are looking forward to welcoming him to Sonic Racing in 2017 for what we expect to be a rewarding partnership,” Ritter said.

The 13-car Porsche Carrera Cup field will tackle three 20 lap races over the Adelaide Clipsal 500 weekend.