Craig Lowndes will have a new co-driver for the 2014 Pirtek Enduro Cup, with Red Bull electing against retaining Warren Luff.
Lowndes and Luff have driven together in each of the last two endurance campaigns, winning the 2012 Sandown 500, the opening leg of the 2013 Gold Coast 600 and this year’s Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Luff confirmed his impending exit via social media, with his replacement currently unclear.
“Now that the season has fully wrapped up, I want make the announcement that I won’t be partnering with Craig Lowndes next year for the endurance rounds,” he wrote.
“Triple 8 racing have made the decision to look to the future and make longer term plans.
“I have had a great time at Triple 8 over the past two season’s having shared in 5 podium finishes with two wins.”
Luff’s statement, which stressed the versatile driver’s thanks to the team and its sponsors, confirmed that he will once again drive full-time in the Carrera Cup next year.
“At this stage I have no firm V8 endurance contract for next year, however I am in discussions with a few teams so I am still hopeful.
“Next year is still going to be busy, with a full Carrera Cup program locked in with McElrea racing, the 12 Hour with Rod Salmon in the Audi R8 and a possible return to the Nurburgring.”
Lowndes and Luff are also going their separate ways for next year’s Bathurst 12 Hour, having driven together for the last two years.
Luff is continuing in the Salmon Audi, while Lowndes will join Mika Salo, Peter Edwards and John Bowe in Maranello Motorsport’s Ferrari 458.
Red Bull, meanwhile, could be in for a completely new co-driver line-up for next year’s endurance races with Paul Dumbrell’s future also yet to be confirmed.
