Photo: DJR Team Penske/V8 Supercars Media

DJR Team Penske add Fabian Coulthard for 2016

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Fabian Coulthard has signed to race for DJR Team Penske for the 2016 V8 Supercars Championship season, where the New Zealander will join Scott Pye as the team expands back to two cars.

Expanding to two cars has always been a priority of ours, and with Fabian on board, gives us the opportunity to add another car capable of running at the front,” said Penske Racing president Tim Cindric.

Coulthard will be departing Brad Jones Racing after four years with the team, and will drive the #12 Ford Falcon FG X next season alongside Pye, who will remain with the team for this third year.

“I’m excited about 2016 and coming aboard at DJR Team Penske,” said Coulthard. “The chance to race for two motorsport legends like Dick Johnson and Roger Penske is just a special opportunity. I’m looking forward to next season and helping the team grow and race at the front of the field.”

Team-mate Scott Pye added: “Expanding to two cars with Fabian is incredibly exciting. He’s a hard-nosed racer and together we want to build DJR Team Penske into a contender.”

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The confirmation of Coulthard joining the team effectively calls to an end the much heralded return of Marcos Ambrose to the category, at least as a full-time racer.

The 2003 and 2004 champion made a return to the championship after nine years in the various NASCAR categories at the start of the season, but stepped aside with Pye taking over the #17 Ford after struggling in the first three events, instead pairing up with Pye for the endurance events.

“I fully support the team with the exciting announcements here today,” said Ambrose. “My number one priority since stepping out of the car full-time was helping the team with that transition and in Fabian and Scotty, the team has a great future ahead for 2016 and beyond.”