Grove Racing will campaign World Endurance Championship racers Alexandre Imperatori and Ben Barker in its Class B Porsche GT3 for the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour from February 3-5.
The duo will join Stephen Grove as the squad attempts to win a third Class B trophy.
Imperatori was part of the Rebellion LMP1-L squad in the WEC which caters for non-hybrid machinery in the outright class last season.
Barker, a former Carrera Cup Australia front-runner, was a regular in GTE Am 911 RSR machinery in the 2016 WEC season.
The trio will race Grove’s current Type 991 Porsche GT3 Cup Car as the latest-spec Carrera Cup machines eligible for Bathurst 12 Hour competition for the first time.
“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,” Grove said.
“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 (at Bathurst) and has good enduro experience.”
Barker is no stranger to Mount Panorama and is keen to return with a team he knows well.
“I can’t wait to be reunited with the mountain. Last time I was there was with Grove Racing and we almost had another win. So there is only one position in mind,” Barker said.
“Bathurst is one of the most unique tracks in the world, providing intense gradient and the need for no mistakes so when you complete a quick lap it is as satisfying as you can get.
“In previous years the 997 has loved this track with its nimbleness, now we have the 991 which is a little longer and requires a bit more patience which for Bathurst is not a bad thing at all.
Imperatori said that the Bathurst 12 Hour was on the top of his list of ‘must do’ races on the global sports car and GT schedule.
“It’s a race that has been on my list for a very long time and I can’t wait to get there,” Imperatori said.
“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.”
A final entry list with driver combinations is expected this week.
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