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Dialling himself in to life as a full-time V8 Supercars driver is more important than results in Sydney this weekend, says the Holden Racing Team’s Nick Percat.
The 25-year-old is set to make his solo main game debut as he fills in for the injured James Courtney in the #22 Holden Racing Team Commodore at this year’s season finale.
Former V8 Supercar champion Courtney has been sidelined for the event after fracturing his tibia after an incident with Alexandre Premat at Phillip Island two weeks ago.
The move comes just days after Percat inked a deal with HRT to compete in his first full V8 Supercar season in 2014, when he lines up in the team’s fourth car, backed by James Rosenberg.
The South Australian says he is not worried about his finishing positions this weekend, but rather on making the most of his unexpected head-start to 2014.
“For me this weekend is all about seeing what happens over a course of a weekend in the main game,” Percat told Speedcafe.com.
“Its massively exciting to get my first run out. I’ve supported HRT since I was in nappies so to drive for them is a childhood dream come true.
“I’ve spent seven years with HRT so I know fundamentally what happens but it will be good for me to know where my fitness is at and learn about the new car.
“I get to know what I like in the car and everything about an event. I should be able to rock into Clipsal next year and feel like part of the series.
“Its played out really well with this drive and the deal for next year with James Rosenberg,” he continued.
“Its played out perfectly. From the team side of things it is a perfect opportunity to show me what its all about.
“For me I’m not interested in going out and proving myself, it is more about doing two solid jobs. Finishing positions this weekend aren’t a massive thing.
“Obviously I’d like to be at the right end but I also want to bring the car back to the boys in a reasonable fashion.
“I feel extremely sorry for JC in regards to how it has all come about,” he added.
“Its not the best way to have your first start but he wouldn’t let me drive his car if he didn’t trust me and in the future its going help us all next year.”
Percat is debuting a new chassis for the HRT this weekend following Courtney’s accident. The car completed a shakedown at Calder on Monday.
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