Greg Murphy Racing has moved swiftly to replace Brandon Auby in its 2011 Fujitsu V8 Supercars Series line-up.

The young South African had been slated to compete with the team alongside returning drivers Geoff Emery and Daniel Jilesen, but has had to withdraw from a full campaign due to an illness within his camp.

GMR team principal Kevin Murphy told Speedcafe.com.au that the reigning Fujitsu Series winning team will be able to confirm Auby’s replacement soon.

“It’s a bit unfortunate that Brandon won’t do the season with us, I think he would have done a good job this year, but that’s the way it is,” said Murphy.

“They’ve reserved the right to do something with us later in the year, and then continue in 2012.”

Speedcafe.com.au understands that Auby’s seat will be filled by a newcomer to V8 Supercars, who comes with a varied racing background, including speedway.

“At the moment we are in negotiation and close to a deal with a new driver to the category,” said Murphy.

“We can’t say anything yet, because the deal’s not done, but we’re hoping to confirm the seat in time for our test day in early March.”

GMR is also yet to lock in its ‘lead driver’ for the season.

The team has previously stated that it needs a ‘gun driver’ that is able to take on the entries from main series teams including Triple Eight, Walkinshaw Racing and Paul Morris Motorsport

“We’re hoping to announce by week’s end who our driver will be for the lead car,” said Murphy.

“At this stage we are still looking very likely to run four cars as originally planned.

“Four cars works for us – it’s the level we want to commit to the category and our drivers.

“We have the staff, both in-house and race weekend staff, to run four efficiently.

“But running three cars last year didn’t hurt us in anyway shape or form, so it wouldn’t be a disaster to run three either.”