Australia-based British racer Ben Barker will join Parr Motorsport for the Snetterton (6/7 August) and Knockhill (3/4 September) rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB during a mid-season break in the schedule for the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.After winning the 2010 Australian Formula 3 title, Barker (20) has been impressive in the Carrera Cup Australia with Team BRM, taking pole position at round two in Perth and is currently sixth in the championship standings. Barker, originally from Cambridge, started his racing in karts and then contested the 2009 British Formula Ford Championship before switching his career to Australia.

“I’m very excited to be returning to the UK during the break in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia,” said Barker. “I haven’t raced in the UK since my first year in car racing back in 2009, so after some decent seat time in Australia, I’m confident I can show my pace and produce some good results in the Carrera Cup GB. I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“The main aim is to get my name a little more known back in Europe,” said Barker. “It will also keep me on my toes for the Australian series when I return to Phillip Island. In only my third year in car racing, I need to drive as much as possible; the more experience I get, the better driver I’ll become.”

After competing in the Carrera Cup GB, Barker will return to Australia for round four of Carrera Cup Australia at the L&H 500 at Phillip Island, Victoria in mid-September.

“We’re excited to have Ben on board,” said Paul Robe of Parr Motorsport. “He’s been identified as a rising star in British motorsport so we’re optimistic that he can produce some good results and mix it with the front runners. He’s got some experience in the car and of the circuits and with some testing we feel that he’ll do well. We’re looking forward to working with him.”