Richie Stanaway is happy to bide his time as he continues to work on forging an entry into Supercars as a full-time driver.
The New Zealander returned to the Supercars paddock at Queensland Raceway for last Friday’s additional driver practice, where he logged his first laps in the #6 Prodrive Ford, he will share with Cameron Waters for the Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Stanaway is gearing up for his second year as a co-driver with the operation having partnered Chris Pither in the Super Black Racing Falcon last year.
The 25-year-old has made his future career direction clear with Supercars his sole focus in a move which will see him turn his back on a successful sportscar career in Europe.
In the final year of his contract with Aston Martin, the Kiwi has moved back to his homeland to boost his chances of a career in Supercars.
Fully aware of the limited opportunities in the series, the former GP2 (Formula 2), GP3 and FIA WEC race winner is happy to continue as a co-driver until an opportunity presents itself.
“To be good at something you have got to be passionate about it and this (Supercars) is the category I’m passionate about,” Stanaway told Speedcafe.com.
“I’m just following what I want to do. I’m not keen on going back to Europe and my focus is on getting a drive here.
“This is the last year of my contract with them (Aston Martin) and it hasn’t really crossed my mind really if anything will be on the cards for next year.
“It is difficult to get a full-time drive so if it doesn’t happen (next year) I’m happy to just keep co-driving, but ideally I’d like a full-time drive, so we will have to see if something comes up.
“I haven’t done much in this category but I have got pretty decent amount of international high level racing on my CV, probably more than a lot of guys similar to my age.
“Hopefully I can rely on my credentials and hopefully try and convert some of my natural speed into the intricacies of these cars which only comes with time.”
Stanaway, who finished 15th in the co-driver practice last week, has been linked to a possible vacant drive at Prodrive next year should Jason Bright chose to step back from driving duties.
The team has agreements in place with its four drivers and remains tight lipped on its future direction.
However, Prodrive boss Tim Edwards has been impressed by Stanaway and is confident he has the ability to slot into a full-time Supercars drive in the future.
“You don’t do what he has done in his career so far and not have that ability,” Edwards told Speedcafe.com.
“Whether he gets the opportunity (to race full-time in Supercars) in some point in time who knows?”
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