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Walkinshaw Andretti United will require further resources before it can challenge Supercars’ elite teams, according to new co-owner Zak Brown.
The Clayton operation is preparing for its first season under its new guise following last October’s buy-in from Brown’s United Autosports squad and top IndyCar team Andretti Autosport.
A change of ownership structure was sparked following a period of underachievement from the once powerful team, culminating in a difficult 2017 that saw Walkinshaw Racing slide to seventh in the teams’ standings.
Excited by the potential of his new venture Brown admits that the squad, led by Mathew Nilsson, is yet to acquire all the ingredients it needs to be successful as it prepares for a transitional year.
The McLaren Formula 1 boss met with co-owner Ryan Walkinshaw in the UK earlier this month to further discuss areas where extra resources are required.
“We don’t have everything we need yet,” Brown told Speedcafe.com.
“It is early stages but we have been talking with Ryan (Walkinshaw) about some of the things we need to do to improve.
“I think this year is still going to be a transitional year in terms of moving forward.
“We need some more sponsorship and a manufacturer relationship like we used to (have) and maybe also a few team members, and some more leadership that we need to acquire and bring in.
“I’m not sure yet (with regard to personnel).
“There are a couple of different ways about board structure and leadership structure.
“We like everyone we have in the team, but we think we need some additional resources.
“I love the series and it is a great team and I’m excited to be partners with Walkinshaw and Andretti, they are two iconic names in the sport and we have two great drivers.
“We just need to contribute and make a difference as last year was very uncompetitive and Michael (Andretti) and I have not got involved to finish where we did in 2017.”
Securing a manufacturer alliance has been designated as a key future goal for the team as it bids to re-establish itself as a leading player in the Supercars Championship.
This year the former factory Holden operation will continue to represent the marque in the form of two ZB Commodores for drivers James Courtney and Scott Pye.
However, the search for a new manufacturer tie up in the future is continuing to gather pace.
“We are going to put as much work into what we have right now, but I think we need a manufacturer relationship moving forward to get the best out of the car, economics and give the drivers the best chance,” added Brown.
“We are getting there but it is early days. I think it (securing a manufacturer) is important.”
The squad will join the rest of the Supercars field for the official pre-season test at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 16.
An annual trip to Adelaide will begin the campaign from March 1-4, which is set to be attended by fellow co-owner Michael Andretti, with Brown to make his first team appearance at the Australian Grand Prix meeting later in the month.
