Premat officially joins McLaughlin at DJRTP

American-based French racer Alex Premat has been confirmed as Scott McLaughlin’s co-driver for the Pirtek Enduro Cup at DJR Team Penske.

Long rumoured to make the switch from Red Bull where he partnered Shane van Gisbergen to the Enduro Cup win last year, Premat joins in a multi-year term.

While the conditions of the agreement are yet to be fully revealed, Premat, who now calls Las Vegas home, is also expected to be offered some of type of role with Team Penske in the US.

The deal will see the partnership between Premat and McLaughlin rekindled as the pair were previously co-drivers and team-mates at Garry Rogers Motorsport.

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“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,” Premat said.

“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 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.”

Tony D’Alberto continues with the Shell V-Power-backed team for a second year where he will join Fabian Coulthard in the #12 Falcon.

Team managing director Ryan Story said that the signing of Prémat was a key piece of recruitment for the Queensland based outfit, and that retaining D’Alberto was a simple decision.

“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,” Story said.

“Tony is a guy that fits into our team really well, and is another proven performer with runs on the board. I’m very excited about our combinations for this year.

“With these combinations, and our strong engineering division led by Ludo Lacroix, I expect strong results from the team throughout the Pirtek Enduro Cup, and the entire 2017 season.”