Jamec Pem Racing have made a major coup, signing three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Marcel Fassler for the 2018 Australian GT championship.
The Swiss driver will join 2017 champion Geoff Emery in the Audi R8 LMS replacing Emeryβs previous partner, Kelvin van der Linde.
van der Linde was unable to compete this year due to a busy international GT Schedule after partnering Emery for most of 2017.
Emery won the championship in an intense battle with Liam Talbot that lasted until the final lap of the final race, with the Audi driver securing the title by just 10 points.
“I’m really excited to be back in the Audi with Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia, and even more excited to be in with Marcel,” said Emery.
“It was great to be partnered with Kelvin (van der Linde), and it’s a shame he can’t come back but I’m excited to instead have such a good driver like Marcel.
“I’m looking forward to meeting him and learning as much as I can.
Part of the Audi fold since 2010, Fassler will be making his debut in the GT category at this yearβs Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix on 22 March.
The 41-year-old has an impressive resume to add to his Le Mans titles, being part of the 2012 World Endurance squad and winning in the FIA World Endurance Championship WEC a year later.
He is scheduled to remain alongside Emery for three CAMS Australian Endurance Championship races throughout the season.
The opening endurance race of the year at The Bend Motorsport Park is on 14-15 April, while the opening sprint race begins at Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix on 22 March.