Former DTM racer Alex Premat is switching to the Australian-based V8 Supercar series with Garry Rogers Motorsport. The 29-year-old Frenchman will drive the Holden Commodore raced by Lee Holdsworth last year, after signing a full-time deal.
Premat has a wealth of experience in high-powered touring cars, having been a podium finisher during his four-year stint in the DTM with Audi, and has also raced sports cars regularly over the past few seasons, winning the 2008 Le Mans Series for the manufacturer. Prior to that he helped France to the 2005/'06 A1GP crown, won races in GP2 and also claimed victory at the Masters of Formula 3 and the Macau Grand Prix.
Team boss Rogers said that Premat's signing was big news for the whole championship.
"I think the category needs to be flattered," Rogers told BigPond Sport. "The fact that there's interest from drivers around the world shows that. I think the category has really got the recognition. In a way, I'm flattered. He could have gotten a drive somewhere else overseas but I think he's recognized we've had solid results as a team and it's well run and managed. I might be proven to be wrong about him, but I don't think I'm wrong."
Premat will travel to Australia next week, where he will be officially unveiled alongside his Commodore.