Ben Barker back from Australia in Porsche Carrera Cup

Ben Barker with Paul Robe

British racer Ben Barker will contest a full programme in the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB with Parr Motorsport. Barker, from Cambridge, will still only be 20 years old when the new season begins.

The 2010 Australian F3 champion and BRDC Rising Star raced in the Australian Carrera Cup in 2011 as well as competing in four rounds of the Carrera Cup GB with Parr. Prior to his success in F3, he was a race winner in the British Formula Ford Championship.

“It’s a good direction career-wise to move into the Carrera Cup GB,” said Barker. “Having worked with Parr last year I know how they work and everyone is capable and proactive. It’s good to be back racing in the UK and this will prove to be a strong stepping-stone to Supercup. I hope that, together with Parr, we can both graduate in 2013. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and being competitive,” added Barker.

Barker achieved two podium finishes from four Carrera Cup races at Snetterton and Knockhill last summer with Parr. His full Australian campaign garnered two wins, four other podium finishes, two pole positions and two fastest laps. To cap a successful season down under he was also named the Michelin Sports Person of the Year.

“I’m really excited to have Ben onboard for this coming season,” said Parr team boss Paul Robe. “He’s a great talent and a really well rounded young man. Based on his performance with us last year I’m confident that he will be a frontrunner in the championship.”