Porsche test and development driver Lars Kern will join the Carrera Cup Australia grid in 2017.

Kern has been responsible for the development of Boxsters, Panameras, 911 GT3s and 911 RSR road cars.

Lauded as being the first driver to dip below the 8 minute lap of the Nordschleife in a production SUV (Cayenne Turbo S in 7:59.74s) and in a production sedan (Panamera Turbo in 7:38), Kern has experience in rallying, sports and touring cars.

Last year Kern enjoyed a stint in Nürburgring’s VLN Endurance Championship.

His move into the Carrera Cup Australia Championship will see him move alongside Marc Cini in the successful Porsche Centre Melbourne squad.

“Racing in Australia is a dream for me. I have followed the growth of sports car and one-make racing in Australia for many years so it’s great to be able to now be part of it,” Kern said.

“Having Porsche one-make racing on street circuits is always spectacular and provides great racing. From what I’ve seen so far, the series races at some cool locations with big, enthusiastic crowds.

“For the last five years I’ve focussed on my job as a Test and Development Driver at Porsche, but I’m looking forward to racing more this season.

“Ever since we started talks about racing in Australia, I’ve started watching a lot of Carrera Cup races, mainly to learn the tracks as I’ve never seen them in real life.

“I’m a real greenhorn when it comes to racing in Australia, but I’m comfortable with that. I just look forward to getting there and starting the season in Adelaide.”

Porsche Centre Melbourne’s General Manager, Piero Pellegrini, is excited to have an ambassador so strongly linked with the Porsche brand as the dealership continues to build upon its successful motor racing heritage.

“I’m thrilled to have Lars join Marc as part of our two-car team in the 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship,” said Pellegrini.

“Motor racing has always been at the heart of Porsche Centre Melbourne and we have enjoyed vast success across several forms of the sports, including multiple Carrera Cup titles and Targa rally victories.

“Marc is a tremendous part of our motorsport programme and has been has many seasons, and now Lars will bring a new international element, with a distinctive Porsche flavour, to our dealership.”

The 2017 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia championship will get underway at the season opening Clipsal 500 in Adelaide from March 2-5, 2017.

VIDEO: Lars Kern’s Nordschleife production car lap record