Richie Stanaway will make first race start since his back-breaking Formula Renault 3.5 crash at Spa last June at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.
Stanaway, 21, will compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia races that will support the main event, driving for Team Kiwi Racing.
AUTOSPORT understands that the event is a precursor to a full-time campaign in the Porsche Supercup this year.
“I feel fine, but as this is my first race since my back injury, I am unsure as to how I will go this weekend under race conditions,” said Stanaway.
“This opportunity means so much to me as six months ago I thought I might never race again. I am just so excited and I would like to thank everyone involved who has made this possible.”
After a promising single-seater career that included titles in the Toyota Racing Series, ADAC Formel Masters and German Formula 3, plus a GP3 race win, Stanaway stepped up to FR3.5 last year with the backing of Gravity Sports Management.
His season was ended at just the third round when he fractured two vertebrae in the Spa crash.
He tested a TRS single-seater before Christmas as part of his comeback and was linked to a drive in European F3 with Signature, but has now turned his attentions to sportscars.
As well as his expected Supercup deal, Stanaway is in the frame for a Le Mans 24 Hours drive with Aston Martin and tested a factory Vantage at Road Atlanta last week.
