MOTORSPORT: Kostecki’s shock Supercars return

Reigning champion Brodie Kostecki will make a surprise comeback to the Repco Supercars Championship next weekend, when the series returns to New Zealand with the ITM Taupo Super400 from Taupo International Motorsport Park.

Having split with Erebus Motorsport in late January, Kostecki missed the opening two rounds of the season at Bathurst and the Australian Grand Prix, with endurance co-driver Todd Hazelwood standing in for those events.

Following the bombshell news of the departure, team sponsors Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Shaw and Partners and Southern Cross Truck Rentals all withdrew their support from the organisation.

Subsequently, in the past two months, Kostecki’s only public appearance was on February 11th at the Motorsport Australia National Awards Gala Dinner, where he collected his Australian Touring Car Championship trophy, plus the prestigious Peter Brock Medal.

The renewed deal between Kostecki and Erebus has seemingly been confirmed at the last minute, with Hazelwood having joined regular team driver Jack Le Brocq in testing out the Taupo circuit aboard locally sourced BMWs last week.

For his return drive, Kostecki’s Chevrolet Camaro will carry the number one plate, the first time the numeral has been seen in competition use since Jamie Whincup in 2018.

“I’m excited to be back behind the wheel again. I needed some time away to prioritise my health,” said Kostecki.

“I'm grateful for the support, privacy and time Betty, Barry, and the team have given me.”

Heading into the third round of the season, Erebus Motorsport will fill the fifth garage in pit lane, with live championship ordering having seen the squad slip from the top of the standings at Bathurst.

Prior to packing for New Zealand, Kostecki will test with the squad at Winton Motor Raceway this week.

“On behalf of Betty and the team, we are pleased Brodie is ready to drive again,” said Barry Ryan, Erebus CEO.

“Having Brodie back to work alongside Jack as he becomes more familiar with our cars will be a positive for our entire team.

“A big thanks to Todd, he performed brilliantly under considerable pressure and scrutiny, so hats off to him.

“We look forward to having him at the test day this week, and back in the seat for the enduros later in the year.”

In the endurance races, Hazelwood is likely to line up alongside Le Brocq, while David Russell will reunite with Kostecki, with the pair having recent Bathurst 1000 results of third, fourth and second.

The rural Taupo circuit presents a fascinating challenge for teams.

With 14 corners packed into the 3.321km configuration, it is somewhat similar to the tight Winton layout, a circuit that has been bypassed by the new-generation Supercars except for testing purposes by the Victorian-based teams.

Following a 90-minute practice session next Friday, both Saturday and Sunday will feature 15 minutes of qualifying, a top-10 shootout and a 200km race.

Chevrolets have swept the six race victories to date in 2024, with Red Bull Ampol Racing’s Will Brown and Broc Feeney leading the standings, although the Ford teams will be looking to make amends after Albert Park, where multiple cases of friendly fire proved costly.

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