Emanuele Pirro replaces Scott Dixon at Surfers' V8 Supercar event

Dixon was expected to compete in the event, but has decided not to travel to Australia as his wife has just given birth to their second child.

Five-time Le Mans winner Pirro, 49, will take Dixon's seat for the October 21-23 event.

He will be the ninth driver with Formula 1 experience to join the race.

"The chance to race on the Gold Coast is just fantastic," said Pirro. "I would like to thank Audi, being their brand ambassador, for having given me the permission to drive. I love street circuits and have lots of great memories from Down Under, I can't wait to arrive.

"To join a young driver like Shane will be cool and I look forward to meeting him and sharing stories with each other and learning all the secrets of the V8 Supercars.

"He has had a lot of success this year already and watching last year's race - he is clearly very good around the Gold Coast circuit. I've seen it on television over the years and its very unique - being right next to the beach.

"To come to Australia and race an endurance race on one of the world's best known and most challenging street circuits will be great fun."