Ginetta GT4 Supercup frontrunner Orton to switch to Porsche Carrera Cup GB for 2017

Ginetta GT4 Supercup frontrunner Jamie Orton will switch to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB this season, driving for the Team Parker Racing squad.

The 36-year-old finished fourth in the Ginetta standings last season and third in 2015, but nearly made the switch to Porsches for 2016. He believes now is the right time to change series.

“I’ve done five years in Ginettas and felt nothing was going to change and it was time to move,” said 2011 Caterham Superlight R300 champion Orton. “I wouldn’t do any series where I felt I couldn’t win and the goal is to win in the Carrera Cup.

“First and foremost I will try to get on the pace and then get on the podium and then try to make my way up to the top step. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Orton is due to start eight days of testing in March, having already sampled the car a year ago. He will also benefit from his engineer from last season, Alan Mugglestone, staying.

Orton will be partnered by the team’s British Touring Car Championship racer Alex Martin.

Meanwhile, Pro-am1 title winner Euan Mckay and brother Daniel will switch to the Pro class for 2017, moving to champion squad Redline Racing. Former Redline racer Lewis Plato has also been confirmed as the first driver for JTR as the team makes its debut in the category.