Photo: Superstars

Morbidelli looking to go Down Under

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FORMER Formula 1 driver Gianni Morbidelli is on the hunt for a ride in the V8 Supercar Championship Series reports eNews.

The Australian publication has reported that the likable Italian and current Italian SuperStars Champion is looking to move to the V8 Supercar Championship as early as 2009.

Morbidelli was breifly re-united with Aussie V8s in Bahrain last year while he was there competing in the Speedcar round and was very impressed with what he saw.

Now, he is ready to start talking to teams about a test, and a possible drive in the championship. “I saw the [V8 Supercars] race at Bahrain because I was there for the Speedcar series,” he told eNews, “and I was watching the series and I thought it was very good.

“I have seen every category, from Formula 1, to Sportscars to Touring Cars. I was very impressed. The series was very nice – the level of organisation, the level of drivers, the level of the cars.

“It is important for me to test so I can understand how the cars work, and to show the people what I can do. So if there was a chance for me to test then I would like to come there.”

Since leaving the F1 circus, Morbidelli has competed in the German STW, the Italian, British, European and World Touring Car Championship’s, the FIA GT Series, and is the reigning Italian SuperStars Champion (and winner of the first round this season) for Audi. He was also the winner of the inaugural Speedcar Series race.

While he has expressed interest in V8 Supercars, Morbidelli said he is yet have formal discussions with any teams.

“No not yet. I only started to think about it after Bahrain. It was when I saw the cars there that I thought ‘that’s a car that I would like to drive,’ because they have lots of power, rear-wheel-drive, and I have already good experience with that kind of car.

“I’m still racing Touring Cars in Italy, because last year I won the championship with Audi RS4, but who knows? I am happy to do another championship, because it is good for my career to try different experiences.”