Supercars steering Stanaway away from Europe

Richie Stanaway says securing a drive in Supercars is taking precedence over continuing his motor racing career in Europe.

The New Zealander has forged a successful career in Europe that he seen him record race wins in Formula 1 feeder series GP2, now Formula 2, GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5.

His success earned him a factory drive with Aston Martin in the FIA World Endurance Championship, completing a part campaign this year.

However, Stanaway has long held an ambition to race Supercars full-time which has seen the Kiwi admit that he is not planning to return to Europe next season as he bids to build a touring car career.

The 25-year-old will return to Supercars this year when he teams up with Cameron Waters in the #6 Prodrive Ford.

“The only thing that interests me is V8 Supercars so that is the only thing on the radar,” Stanaway told the New Zealand Herald.

“I am not planning on going back to Europe.

“Obviously being at the enduros this year as a co-driver and being around that paddock is what I need to push for a full-time drive next year.”

While Stanaway has impressed in Supercars, notably last season with his drive in tricky wet conditions at Sandown alongside Chris Pither, securing a competitive full-time seat will provide a challenge.

The Tauranga driver was linked to a seat at Super Black Racing before the project ended.

“The tough thing is I do want to be in a competitive car. I don’t want to take a drive in a car too far down the grid,” he added.

”That limits the options a lot but that’s what I will be trying to do.

“It depends whether or not (Prodrive) would be able to make it work.

“I’m not sure what their plan is for next year so I will have to talk to them about that.”