Barker, Foster complete Gulf Racing WEC line-up

Ben Barker and Nick Foster have been confirmed as full-season drivers for Gulf Racing UK's 2017 WEC GTE Am campaign, joining team owner Mike Wainwright behind the wheel. As part of this, British driver Barker has been announced as the lead driver for the team's effort after impressing last season.

Barker has plenty of GT racing experience under his belt heading into the season, and last season competed in the IMSA race at COTA with TRG, driving its Aston Martin in GTD as well as Gulf's Porsche as part of the IMSA/WEC doubleheader.

"It's great to know that I'll be racing in a high-profile series in 2017, having confirmed another year with Gulf Racing in the World Endurance Championship," Barker said. "I'm really excited to be leading the team and rejoining Mike, who has really fostered my sports car ambitions in recent seasons.

"The WEC is a 'must-do' series at this stage in my career and thanks to the ongoing support of my personal sponsors, Montaplast, Sacred and CARS, re-signing with Gulf ensures the momentum of 2016 will keep rolling on for another year."

Foster, meanwhile, will get his first experience racing in GTE after seasons in Porsche Carerra Cup Australia and Germany.

"I'm extremely excited about the opportunity to compete in the 2017 WEC and can't wait for it to kick off!" Foster said. "I am very grateful to Gulf Racing and proud that they have chosen me to join their team. To compete in the WEC is a dream come true and in the famous Gulf Racing colors is an absolute honour.

"I know there are many challenges that lie ahead, but with strong pace and results for the team in 2017 we can look forward to challenging at the front in a very competitive Pro/Am category."

The team, which raced in the WEC for the first time in 2016, will once again campaign with a Porsche 911 GTE in the Pro/Am division. The complete driver trio will come together for the first time at next month's Prologue test at Monza before the season opener at Silverstone.