Richie Stanaway could become Shane van Gisbergen’s enduro co-driver following Garth Tander’s departure from Red Bull Ampol Racing.
The Kiwi driver recently returned to the Supercars paddock in October as a wildcard entry for the Bathurst 1000 alongside co-driver Greg Murphy.
His performance at Mount Panorama impressed even after spending three years away from the championship, placing the car fourth on the grid for the Great Race in inclement conditions. In the race, himself and Murphy finished 11th.
However, Stanaway could find himself in a more permanent position alongside fellow New Zealander van Gisbergen.
Multiple publications are speculating that the driver pairing is in motion and close to being confirmed.
Earlier this year, the three-time Supercars title holder sang praise for Stanaway and welcomed the idea of racing alongside him during the enduro rounds as well.
Other options for van Gisbergen’s co-driver could be Triple Eight Engineering team boss Jamie Whincup but he would need to find a replacement for Broc Feeney’s co-driver if he hops in the #97 car.
On Stanaway’s side of the fence, V8 Sleuth reported that Boost Mobile team boss Peter Adderton has already ordered a Gen3 Camaro for the Kiwi driver’s wildcard entry this year which could throw a spanner in the works if the Kiwi jumps to Triple Eight.
So it seems likely that Stanaway will become van Gisbergen’s co-driver in the enduro rounds throughout 2023.
We eagerly await an official announcement from Red Bull Ampol Racing.