Jamie Whincup will join the Australian GT grid for the series’ opening endurance event of the season at Phillip Island next month.

The seven-time Supercars champion is set to team up with Yasser Shahin in a Scott Taylor Motorsport prepared Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 for what will be his maiden appearance in the Australian GT Championship.

Professional drivers are allowed to contest endurance rounds as opposed to sprint meetings where they are banned.

It will see Whincup return to GT racing and the Gold Coast-based team having piloted a Vodafone backed STM Mercedes alongside Triple Eight team-mates Shane van Gisbergen and Craig Lowndes at this year’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

The trio on that occasion finished the Mount Panorama GT classic in fourth position.

Shahin is relishing the opportunity to learn from Whincup in Australian GT’s longer format.

“I love the endurance format and driving alongside and learning from a world class driver like Jamie can only help my development as a driver,” he said.

“I enjoy the endurance format as it gives me a chance to learn more from the Pro drivers, something which I think has helped me fast-track my ability to extract more out of the car.

“I’ve known Jamie for a while, and obviously am aware of his ability behind the wheel, so I’m really looking forward to sharing the drive and taking the fight to the leading teams.”

The third round of the Australian GT Championship at Phillip Island will be held from June 7-9.