New Zealander Fabian Coulthard will make a long-awaited return to the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia field for the remainder of the 2023 season, joining Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport.
Coulthard won the 2005 Porsche Carrera Cup with Greg Murphy Motorsport and is considered one of the most successful drivers in series’ history, taking six round wins in 18 round starts over two seasons. His last outing in the Cup was at Phillip Island in 2005, which he won.
“I’m excited to sign with Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport and return to the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship,” said Coulthard.
“I’ve got fond memories of competing in one-make Porsche racing and it was a great time in my career as I established myself in Australia – I’m still very close with the brand, drive their product regularly and can’t wait to race the 992 GT3 Cup Car starting in Darwin this weekend.
“I was flattered that Cam and the team at PCM got in touch and I’m excited to be joining them to help push their program forward. They’ve always presented quick cars and I’m looking forward to working with Courtney and the whole team for the remainder of this year.
“I’m fortunate that Walkinshaw Andretti United can see the value in me racing this year and allowed me to race in this series. It’s a great way for me to keep sharp and race fit for the enduros later in the year.
“You don’t realize how much you miss racing until you don’t get the opportunity to race, it’s exciting to be back. It’s going to be a challenge to jump in at the deep end in Darwin, in a highly competitive field, but I can’t wait to get suck in and get behind the wheel at Hidden Valley.”
The Kiwi joins rising Australian talent Courtney Prince at the outfit, with Porsche Centre Melbourne’s Cameron McConville recognising the influence the veteran will have both on and off-track.
“We are genuinely excited to have Fabian on board, he said. “He is a true pro, and it’s just what we need to get PCM back to the pointy end of the field. When a seat became available, he was a natural fit for our brand, having a long-term involvement with Porsche Cars Australia with the drive experience and of course, a former Carrera Cup Champion.
“We also need to thank Walkinshaw Andretti United for allowing him to drive with us for the remainder of the year alongside his Supercar enduro commitments.”
Coulthard is signed with Walkinshaw Andretti United to compete in the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 later this year.
The next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia is this weekend, with the series racing at Darwin in support of Supercars.
Coulthard’s signing makes three Kiwis in this year’s lineup, with Callum Hedge and Chris Pither also competing.
Header Image: Porsche Centre Melbourne Motorsport
