It’s inclusion as part of the Intercontinental GT Challenge in 2016 further added to the appeal and prestige of the Bathurst 12 Hour so come Sunday, there will be a host of factory works drivers putting their skills to the test at the Mount.

One of them is Manthey-Racing’s Dirk Werner, a German native who has already competed in world-renowned enduros such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Spa and 24 Hours of Nürburgring.

He joins French duo Romain Dumas and Frédéric Makowiecki behind the wheel of a Porsche 911, with all three to make their Bathurst 12 Hour debut. It will mark the start of their Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign.

“Porsche recognise that this is an important race and they want to be here, I think it’s the right move to go to a race like this. Last year we had a really strong performance with P2 and P4, so I’m happy that they sent me over here,” he said.

“I was always curious to do this race and see the track. It’s turned into a real classic for GT3 vehicles in recent years. I’m pleased that it’s finally worked.”

As of Thursday afternoon when Werner joined his team-mates in taking part in the official launch of the Bathurst 12 Hour, the closest he had come to a lap of the 6.213 kilometre circuit was on a simulator.

Still, the reputation of Mount Panorama is one he is familiar with.

“Obviously I saw the track on TV and I’ve talked to the guys who have drove here already – I know it’s tough,” he said.

“It’s one of the tracks that is more old school, with the walls being so close and the high speed nature of a lot of these turns, it’s a track that everybody wants to drive.

“For sure it’s a special track. Usually you try to get a test and prepare the best you can. We did some simulator stuff and tried to talk as much to people who have drove here before as we can and we’ll have the track walk, but that’s it.”

He knows that it will take time for both himself and his team-mates to familiarise themselves with the track, but Werner insists they have come to Bathurst with the intent to push as hard as they can for outright success.

“We have a team that’s been here before and have some experience, but the drivers that are in my car, nobody knows the track, so we have quite a lot to learn,” he said.

“Our approach is we want to get a feeling for the track and get into a good rhythm. We are just not here to circle around, that’s for sure. The team and the drivers know how to do an endurance race.

“We have to see where we are after the practice sessions and come up with a realistic goal, but we are here to compete. 

“It’s a big challenge. This is not the first time we’ve been to a track we haven’t driven before, it’s a natural thing.

“The car is always different too, you can do a lot beforehand to try and prepare, but in the end you have to sit in the car and get some good laps.”

A chance to get some of those laps comes from 9am Friday in practice.