Scott McLaughlin and Tim Slade took to the wheel of Porsche Carrera Cup cars at Phillip Island today as part of the category’s official pre-season test.

Fifteen Porsches were on track at the Victorian venue in preparation for the season-opening Clipsal 500 Adelaide later this month.

V8 Supercars stars McLaughlin and Slade were on hand assisting Elite Class drivers Stephen Grove and Adrian Mastronado respectively.

McLaughlin previously teamed with Grove to win the category’s Pro-Am event at Phillip Island last year, where a practice crash denied Slade and Mastronado a start.

Fellow Elite runners Ash Samadi, Tony Bates, Shane Smollen, Roger Lago and James Bergmuller were also testing today ahead of the new season.

Reigning Pro Class champion Steven Richards meanwhile enjoyed a first hit-out with the #1 stickers aboard his Laser Plumbing GT3.

Returning Pro Class runners Richards, Craig Baird, Nick McBride, Michael Almond and Duvashen Padayachee were joined on track by category newcomers Fraser Ross, Richard Muscat and Cameron McConville.

McConville is preparing to race in the category after acting as the Porsche motorsport manager last season.

“Today has probably been the most fun I’ve had in a car in the last 10 years,” said McConville, who has elected against a return to the V8 Supercars endurance races this year amid his other commitments.

“I had eight or so laps in one last year but to get 40 laps in it today is just great. I’ve had a ball.

“We’ve only just scratched the surface of what the car can do but we have been working on very small changes and making sure I can feel the changes, which I can, so that’s a good sign.

“I’m really enjoying working with the Buik (Motorworks) boys and looking forward to going and testing at Mallala next week, which I think will be a bit more representative for racing at Clipsal.”