Photo: V8 Supercars

Marcos Ambrose steps back from full-time drive at Penske DJR

DJR Team Penske today announced that Marcos Ambrose is going to step down from his full-time drive with the team in the V8 Supercars effective immediately.

“Following the Australian Grand Prix, Marcos came to the team, requesting to be replaced from his upcoming driving responsibilities, while he continues the transition back into V8 Supercars competition,” said Roger Penske, co-owner of the team.

The former V8 Supercars champion is going to be replaced by Scott Pye for the coming races and will only take part in the endurance races.

“Entering the season, Marcos understood that the competition in this series is at a very high level and now realizes that more time is required for this transition. This was a difficult decision for Marcos but I appreciate him thinking about the greater good of the team. Marcos will continue to support the team and our partners including competing in the Endurance Series Races,” said Penske.

Ambrose has stated that he needs more experience of the current cars in order to be competitive.

“This decision to step aside from the lead driver role at DJR Team Penske is completely my decision. I want to thank DJR Team Penske for the opportunity and support through the process of transitioning back into V8 Supercars. I would like to make it clear that I am fully committed to this team. Although this is a decision which has been hard to make, it has become clear to me over the first two events of the season that I need more experience in these cars to do what is required of the lead driver and to be competitive for the team and our partners,” said Ambrose.