World Rally Championship driver, Alister McRae will be making his debut in the British GT championship this weekend at the Castle Combe Circuit’s John Guest Speedfit British Formula 3 and GT Speed Festival.

McRae, younger brother of former WRC champion Colin, is to join the RJN Motorsport team for the latest round of the prestigious series, alongside Michael Bentwood in the team’s Nissan 350Z, currently 6th in the championship.

The Scotsman says he is excited about competing in a car he tested towards the end of 2004. "I am looking forward to the challenge," he said. "It’s not going to be easy without any recent testing but we will be aiming for a consistent race and some points."

McRae is gaining a reputation as a very versatile driver, As well as his numerous World Rally Championship appearances for the likes of Mitsubishi, he recently won a buggy race in Caceres in Spain and a week ago competed against his brother Colin and father, Jimmy, in the County Saab Scottish Rally Championship National Rally, beating both of them in their identical Mk 2 RS Escorts.

Team principle Bob Neville said he was thrilled to have McRae on board for the weekend, adding that he was hopeful the Scot would be able to compete for the team on more occasions in the future, with the deal for Castle Combe currently a one-off.

"We are delighted to have Alister in the car," he said. "We hope it leads to more outings in British GT and the long distance events like 24 Hours of Spa and other FIA GT events."

McRae will not only have to take part in qualifying the car, which runs in the leading GT2 category, but will share half the driving in the two one hour races over the weekend, with compulsory driver changes half way through.