Stephen and Brenton Grove believe they have what it takes to make Australia proud when they represent the nation in the inaugural FIA GT Nations Cup.

The duo were selected to represent Australia on the international stage earlier this year and will be behind the wheel of the Herbeth Motorsport backed Porsche 911 GT3.

It is the first time the unique international event will be held, with entries from 18 different countries each needing a bronze and silver license holder to compete. 

Stephen will be full of confidence heading into the two-day event after a successful year in the 2018 Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia, where he claimed his third TAG Heuer Pro-Am title on the Gold Coast last month. 

Despite going into the Bahrain-based event with a lack of GT3 experience, the Bronze-ranked driver is just looking forward to representing his country alongside his son.

“It’s something quite special to pair up with Brenton and represent Australia at a world class event like the GT Nations Cup,” Stephen said.

“While we will be gunning for a good result, it’s also something you’ve got to enjoy and we’ll certainly learn from working with the Herberth Motorsport team.

“It’s great to contest the event with Porsche. For us, it was the only option. I’m going from a 911 GT3 Cup car in Carrera Cup to a 911 GT3 R. While there are differences, they are still related. I’ve actually never raced a 911 GT3 R, or any other GT3 car for that matter.

“There are certain things I am getting my head around – the buttons and knobs within the car – so I’m as prepared as possible leading into the event as we have had no test days.

“I also take the fact that we’re representing Australia quite seriously. We have the car wrapped in the Australian flag and we’ll get the best possible results for our country. It should be a great event and I can’t wait to get on track.”

As for his partner, silver-ranked Brenton wrapped up his domestic race commitments only last week with the final round of the Dunlop Tyres Super2 Series. 

Like his father, the 2017 Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge Australia and Carrera Cup regular was just excited to compete on the international stage in a new car.

“I can’t wait, I’m so excited for the event,” Brenton explained.

“For us it will be our first time in a GT3 car so I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel and flying the flag for Australia.

“We’ve been doing lots of simulator work in the lead up to the weekend, looking at on-board videos and we’ve also watched previous races there like WEC to get the best gauge of the circuit we can before we arrive.

“The Porsche always has nice traction so that will be a strength we will need to maximise over the weekend.

“There will be some good competition, but it’s going to be good to work with Herberth Motorsport – they’re an exceptional team with plenty of experience.”

The inaugural nation against nation event recently announced the 18-car entry list, along with the schedule, which will see two practice and two qualifying sessions lead into three official races.

Fans in Australia can tune in live to Saturday’s Grand Final on Sunday morning at 3.30am AEDT by heading to www.fia.com or clicking here.  

The FIA GT Nations Cup will take place on Friday, 30 November – Saturday, 1 December at Bahrain International Circuit.