Red Bull Racing Australia has announced that Alex Prémat will partner Shane van Gisbergen in this year’s Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Prémat switches to Red Bull Racing from Garry Rogers Motorsport following a two year stint as Scott McLaughlin’s co-driver in the last two Enduro Cups and a full time drive in 2012 and 2013.
“I’m proud to be part of such a great team, especially with the successful history that Triple Eight Race Engineering has in V8 Supercars and at Bathurst,” said Prémat.
“I will do everything in my power to bring them great results; personally my goal is to be the first French Bathurst winner!
“I’ve had the chance to race against Shane for the past four years, I am thrilled to now be driving with him. He has the talent to be a V8 Supercars champion.
“Our collaboration will be strong and reinforce the team. Shane’s always been a strong competitor and a fighter, I respect him.”
Van Gisbergen, who will race against Prémat in this weekend’s 24 Hours of Daytona, said he was surprised to land the Frenchman’s services.
“It was a pretty cool surprise when I heard about Alex being available for the endurance races this year,” said van Gisbergen.
“He has an awesome racing history but more importantly good speed and consistency as a V8 Supercar co-driver the last couple of years.
“The enduros are huge weekends in the championship and I think we have a great driving combination for them.”
Prémat’s signing completes Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Enduro Cup line-up, with Paul Dumbrell remaining alongside Jamie Whincup and Steven Richards continuing his partnership with Craig Lowndes.
Red Bull Racing Australia’s team manager, Mark Dutton, believes the 33-year-old Frenchman is the right man for the job when it comes to co-driving with Van Gisbergen.
“We only ever go for the best enduro co-drivers that are available, so when Alex became available we jumped at the opportunity,” said Dutton.
“We are very excited to have him as part of the team. Alex is well regarded around the world, and I don’t think we have seen his full potential in a V8 Supercar just yet.”
