Porsche Carrera Cup Australia stars Craig Baird and Max Twigg have displayed their familiar strong pace in the opening round of Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in Shanghai, both taking a race one win.

Baird was able to take the lead from pole-sitter Rodolfo Avila on the opening lap and remained at the front until the chequered flag, holding off a late challenge from fellow New Zealand driver Chris van der Drift.

“To come out of the blocks and win the first round is very, very satisfying, especially with [team owner Mok Weng Sun] giving me this opportunity,” said Baird, who returns to the series for a full season for the first time since 2010.

Twigg was victorious in Class B after a race-long battle with former Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia driver Yuey Tan.

Baird then placed fourth in the second race, which was won by Tung Ho-Pin from Avila and Martin Ragginger, placing the Carrera Cup Australia racer at the top of the Carrera Cup Asia standings.

Wayne Shen won Class B in race two, while Twigg failed to finish.