Walkinshaw Racing has announced Sébastien Bourdais will join Lee Holdsworth at Walkinshaw Racing for the 2015 PIRTEK Enduro Cup.
Bourdais, who currently races for KV Racing Technology in the Verizon IndyCar Series in North America, returns to Australia as a two-time V8 Supercar event winner, racing as an ‘international’ at the Gold Coast 600 and winning alongside Jamie Whincup in 2011 and 2012. The Frenchman is also the only driver to have won an IndyCar race at the Surfers Paradise street circuit more than once, taking victory in 2005 and 2007.
“After the great successes I enjoyed with Holden and Adrian (Burgess) in 2011 ‘ 2012, it is great to come back to V8 Supercars,” Bourdais said.
“Thanks to Charlie Schwerkolt and Walkinshaw Racing, I will check off my bucket list races I have been wanting to compete in for a while.
“I am really excited and looking forward to discover Sandown and Bathurst, and to return to Surfers in Lee’s car.
“I met him a few years back, he is a great guy, a terrific driver and I wish him and the team all the best for the season until I get the chance to share his car.”
Holdsworth is looking forward to teaming up with the Frenchman.
“I couldn’t be happier having Sébastien join us for this year’s Enduro Cup,” said Holdsworth.
“A good endurance series can make or break your Championship so it’s important to give yourself the best opportunity, having Sébastien puts us in a really strong position.
“It’s a bonus he’s driven these cars in the past and been successful.
“Adrian worked with Sébastien last time he drove a V8 and was seriously impressed.”
Bourdais will have his first taste of the #18 Walkinshaw VF Commodore at the team’s test day, held at Winton Motor Raceway, early September.
“Obviously he has to learn Sandown and Bathurst but with his experience I don’t think it will take him long,” said Holdsworth.
“If his pace at the Gold Coast is anything to go by, I’m confident we’ll be mixing it up the front for the enduros.”
Bourdais’ impressive resume and results on the streets of Surfers Paradise made him the ideal candidate for an endurance seat.
Walkinshaw Racing’s Managing Director Adrian Burgess is excited to pair Bourdais with Holdsworth, having worked with Bourdais when he drove the Dick Johnson Racing customer Tekno Autosports entry in 2010, while Burgess was team manager there.
“Sébastien is a great guy and does what is required of him,” said Burgess.
“He is very quick and more than capable of getting the job done.
“I have no doubt he will be able to jump in and be competitive straight away, and will make a good package with Lee.”
The PIRTEK Enduro Cup kicks off with the Wilson Security Sandown 500, September 11-13.
