Mazda Australia has confirmed that it will support the Celebrity Challenge races at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix for a second consecutive year
Mazda will use the all-new third generation Mazda3 for the 2014 event, replacing the Mazda6s seen this year.
The Mazda3 is powered by the Japanese company's 138kw 2.5 litre petrol engine, fitted to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
A mix of hatchback and sedan body styles will be seen in the field.
Mazda ambassador and Melbourne media personality, Lauren Phillips, is the first celebrity to sign on.
The Mazda3 Celebrity Challenge will feature 20 vehicles with the next round of celebrities and the final Mazda3 race car livery to be revealed later this month.
Mazda says it will use the Celebrity Challenge as a key part of the launch activity for its updated 3, which goes on sale early next year.
Mazda confirmed earlier this week a new deal with CAMS that will see it supply MX-5 coupes and Mazda3 sedans for an FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy Asia-Pacific Selection Event at Sydney Motorsport Park from October 20-23.
Mazda's history in Australian motorsport included successful stints in touring car races during the early 1980s and production cars during the 1990s.