Mark Stephenson is to step up to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB this season after racing in the Porsche Open Series during 2006. Stephenson's car will be backed by Globewatch and prepared by ABG Motorsport as the Cheshire driver enters his third season of racing. After starting in the Porsche Open in 2005, he contested a full season last year and finished runner-up to Peter Morris in the competition for 911GT3 Cup cars.Now, equipped with a 997-model 911GT3 Cup car, Stephenson is moving up to the Carrera Cup and knows that he faces a major challenge. Prior to starting racing in 2005, the company boss had only taken part in track days. "I'd never raced anything before the 2005 season," he said."It is very much a step up and I realise it is a big jump. But I'm very excited about it and I think it will push me forward and make me a better driver as a result." Stephenson will contest the pro-am category and hopes to use Nigel Rice as a benchmark. "If I could keep up with Nigel Rice I'd be very happy."He has already started a testing programme and is aiming to get as much seat time as possible before the season starts at Brands Hatch over the weekend of 31 March/1 April. "I want to spend as much time in the car as possible and I've been working on fitness over the winter as well," said Stephenson.