International racing superstar and reigning Pirtek Enduro Cup Champion Alex Prémat will join DJR Team Penske in 2017 on a multi-year deal to co-drive the #17 Shell V-Power Ford.
34-year-old Prémat demonstrated sensational speed across all three endurance races in 2016 and joins DJR Team Penske where he will rekindle his partnership with new recruit Scott McLaughlin.
With experience across open-wheelers, Le Mans, DTM, Supercars and more, Prémat is perfectly placed to assist McLaughlin to a maiden Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.
Despite winning the Pirtek Enduro Cup in 2016, Prémat has unfinished business in the Supercars season of endurance, with his eyes firmly set on winning the Bathurst 1000 and coveted Peter Brock Trophy.
“I am very excited to be joining DJR Team Penske for 2017 and beyond, and also to be driving alongside Scott McLaughlin again,” said Prémat.
“Scott and I formed a close friendship when we were teammates, and enjoy working with one another so I am sure that it will be a very fast, very strong partnership.
“Many people doubted my credentials when I returned to Supercars racing last year, and I was able to prove them wrong with strong performances across all of the three endurance races. This year, with DJR Team Penske, I plan to defend my Pirtek Enduro Cup title and take some more silverware home too!”
DJR Team Penske Managing Director Ryan Story said that the signing of Prémat was a key piece of recruitment for the Queensland based outfit.
“Alex is a proven performer, who last year demonstrated that when given quality equipment and a good team structure, he is as good as anyone out there,” said Story.
“Back in combination with Scott, and with our strong engineering division led by Ludo Lacroix, I expect very strong results from Alex – and the team as a whole – throughout the Pirtek Enduro Cup, and the entire 2017 season.”
Scott McLaughlin – who joins DJR Team Penske as driver of the #17 Shell V-Power Ford this season – said he was looking forward to working alongside Prémat once more.
“‘Frenchie’ was absolutely the number one choice to co-drive with me in 2017. He and I know each other very well, get along brilliantly and know what each other is capable of, so we will be genuine contenders in all three endurance races,” McLaughlin said.
“The endurance races can easily make or break your season, so knowing that I have one of the best co-drivers in the game alongside me gives me great confidence leading into the season.
“I can’t wait to get into the #17 Shell V-Power Ford and hit the track, it’s going to be a big year!”
The 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship kicks off with the Clipsal 500 Adelaide across March 2-5. The Pirtek Enduro Cup encompasses the Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600, starting at Sandown from September 15-17.
