Photo: DJR Team Penske

DJR snap up Alex Prémat as co-driver for Scott McLaughlin

Alexandre Prémat has moved from Triple Eight to DJR Team Penske for the 2017 Supercars Championship enduro season, where he’ll pair up with former Garry Rogers Motorsport team-mate and co-driver Scott McLaughlin in the #17 Ford Falcon FG X.

Prémat was paired with eventual 2016 champion Shane van Gisbergen for the 2016 enduros at Triple Eight in one of the team’s Holden Commodores, and won the first race at Surfers Paradise with van Gisbergen, helping the pair seal the Enduro Cup title.

The 34-year-old Frenchman will now race for a different manufacturer as he joins former colleague Scott McLaughlin for the enduros, with McLaughlin having also made the switch from Volvo to Ford for this season.

“I am very excited to be joining the Shell V-Power Racing Team for 2017 and beyond, and also to be driving with Scott McLaughlin again,” said Prémat.

“Scott and I formed a close friendship when we were team-mates, and enjoy working with one another so I am sure that it will be a 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 the Shell V-Power Racing Team, I will be looking to defend my Pirtek Enduro Cup title and take some more silverware home too.”

The team has also retained the services of Tony D’Alberto, who shared the #17 Ford with Scott Pye last season. D’Alberto will now move across to race the #14 Ford Falcon, co-driving for Fabian Coulthard for the Enduro Cup races.

“It’s fantastic that the team has shown faith in me and given me the opportunity to return for a second year,” said D’Alberto.

“I really enjoyed my stint here last year, and am excited to be joining Fabian in the #12. He and I have a bit of history racing with each other, so it’s great to be bringing that pairing back together.”