Alex Premat is ready to tackle the pressure of a title battle when he teams up with Shane van Gisbergen for the Pirtek Enduro Cup.
The Frenchman is set to be a key element in Van Gisbergen’s championship bid as the pair combine for the first time at the showpiece Sandown 500, Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 events.
After two years as a co-driver at Garry Rogers Motorsport, the 34-year-old was snapped up by Triple Eight in a deal announced in January.
Premat will head to Australia with limited competitive racing miles under his belt, having made his last major race appearance at the Daytona 24 Hours in January.
The former Supercars full-timer has been working as a driver coach for the EXR Racing Series in Las Vegas, America.
He has also been recruited by teams in Europe to test GT, LMP2 and LMP3 machinery.
Although faced with a pressure-filled co-driver role, Premat is confident he can assist Van Gisbergen’s title push, with the Kiwi currently second in the standings.
The former DTM racer will drive the #97 Commodore for the first time at a Queensland Raceway test, a week prior to the Wilson Security Sandown 500 (September 16-18).
“I’m really sharp. I’ve never driven as much as I have in the last six months,” Premat told Speedcafe.com.
“To drive with Triple Eight is a huge responsibility as they are looking to win races and championships.
“I can take the pressure and deliver which I have done in the last two years.
“I need to help Shane win the championship and I will do the best job I can do.
“The pressure of being in the championship fight will be no different to last year when myself and Scott (McLaughlin) had a car that could win the enduro races.
“I have been talking to Shane throughout the year and have been in contact with Triple Eight after the races to know what is going on with the car.
“The car will different but I don’t think it will be a big change to the (GRM Volvo).
“I know what to do. I’m doing a lot of work on simulators every day.
“I’m not scared. I’m sure after 10 laps I will be on the pace.”
Triple Eight team manager Mark Dutton expects Premat to quickly integrate himself with the squad.
“There is a bit of catching up to do but we are confident in his skill and ability,” Dutton told Speedcafe.com.
“Every time you have a new driver join the team it is an awesome opportunity to learn more (about the car).”
Premat is looking forward to teaming up with Triple Eight which will offer his best chance yet to win a Supercars race and become the first Frenchman to conquer the Bathurst 1000.
While French drivers are yet to taste victory in Supercars’ iconic Mount Panorama classic, countrymen Sebastien Bourdais and Yvan Muller have enjoyed triumphs at the Gold Coast and Sandown respectively.
“It would mean a lot to have some success this year,” he added.
“I want to be the first Frenchman to win Bathurst and this year is a great opportunity to do that.”
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