Porsche has announced the six drivers who will contest the final of its new Carrera Cup GB Scholarship programme.

Created and run by Porsche Cars GB, the Carrera Cup GB Scholarship Programme will provide £50,000 to each of two drivers to use as a significant element of their budget for the 2009 Carrera Cup GB season.

Over 50 people applied to win a place on the scholarship, with the final six now going through a two-day evaluation process at the Porsche Driving Experience Centre at Silverstone next week, which will include taking to the Silverstone National circuit in a 911GT3 Cup car.

The finalists include a mix of drivers with experience of tin-tops and single-seaters, with SEAT Cupra Championship runner Andrew Herron and Ginetta G50 racer Tom Sharp both on the list.

Caterham racer Lewis Hopkins is joined by Formula Palmer Audi driver Tom Bradshaw, Club F3 racer Aaron Steele and Formula Renault Eurocup ace Richard Singleton to complete the six drivers.

"We were very pleased with the response to the scholarship," Marion Barnaby, Carrera Cup championship manager, said. "The chance to race in the Carrera Cup has clearly caught the attention of ambitious young drivers from across the sport and it was a very tough job to select just six to take part in the final.

“The standard of applicant was very high and we hope that some of the drivers not chosen this year will apply again next year when they have another season of racing experience under their belt."

The two winners will be announced at the end of the month.