Jonathan Fildes is the latest leading contender to commit to the Porsche Michelin Carrera Cup GB in 2004. The Irish ace will race with TCR, the team that took him to the Renault Clio title in 2003.

The 28-year old will switch to the Carrera Cup after a strong test with TCR before Christmas and is likely to be one of the championship front-runners. Last year was his first full season of racing in England, but he has extensive rear wheel drive experience as a double RT2000 champion in Ireland.

"It is a big step forward," admits Fildes. "But the handling of the Porsche is so good, and I really enjoyed driving it. Staying with TCR was one of the most important elements of the deal." Ultimately, Fildes is targeting the BTCC and sees the Carrera Cup as the obvious next step.

"We've got high hopes for Jonathan in the Porsche," says team boss Lee Brookes. "With his rear wheel drive experience, it should suit him even better than the Clio, and he's a very quick learner! We're confident he's going to be right up the front." TCR is now looking to field a second Porsche alongside Fildes.

Fildes will start a test programme in early February, with the aim of getting as much seat time as possible in the 911GT3 Cup car. Only Knockhill will be new to Fildes this season and the chance to race at his local Mondello Park is one that he relishes. "All our sponsors are Irish and the Mondello round helps us to get sponsorship," he says. Major backing for the season comes from Applied Signs and Display and Carnegie Sand and Gravel, the company headed by rallycross ace Dermot Carnegie.