Post by beagle on Jan 24, 2013 10:27:41 GMT 12
A question mark might hover over Casey Stoner's V8 Supercars move but rising star Shane van Gisbergen has ended speculation by confirming his return in 2013.
Kiwi young gun van Gisbergen's future is clearer after linking with Jonathan Webb's Gold Coast-based Holden team Tekno Autosports - eight weeks after he walked away from the sport due to personal reasons.
"Towards the end of last year, I started to lose motivation," van Gisbergen said.
"The environment wasn't right and I was struggling to remember why I was racing.
"It wasn't a great mindset to be in, so I made the decision to take a break.
I spent six weeks back home and was able to recharge my batteries.
"I had a good hard think about my career and considered my options.
"As part of that, I decided that if I was going to return, I needed a fresh challenge in a new environment, and this is exactly the opportunity I was looking for."
Van Gisbergen had emerged as the category's rising star in four years with Ford powerhouse Stone Brothers Racing - which has switched to newcomer Mercedes this season - before making his surprise call.
"I was never retired. Retirement is final and that was never my consideration," he said.
"I said I was leaving the sport for a bit. I've considered my options and this is the next chapter in my career."
He will line up with his new team at the official pre-season test in Sydney on February 16.
Meanwhile, V8 Supercars have confirmed the 2013 round at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi had been scrapped after not receiving the green light from Formula One authorities.
The V8s had been the support category for the F1 Grand Prix at the glamour circuit last year but Formula One Management opted not to give the Supercars the nod in 2013.
I didn't realise he had taken a break. I was looking forward to him racing the Merks around the circuts. Dam. Love his driving.
Kiwi young gun van Gisbergen's future is clearer after linking with Jonathan Webb's Gold Coast-based Holden team Tekno Autosports - eight weeks after he walked away from the sport due to personal reasons.
"Towards the end of last year, I started to lose motivation," van Gisbergen said.
"The environment wasn't right and I was struggling to remember why I was racing.
"It wasn't a great mindset to be in, so I made the decision to take a break.
I spent six weeks back home and was able to recharge my batteries.
"I had a good hard think about my career and considered my options.
"As part of that, I decided that if I was going to return, I needed a fresh challenge in a new environment, and this is exactly the opportunity I was looking for."
Van Gisbergen had emerged as the category's rising star in four years with Ford powerhouse Stone Brothers Racing - which has switched to newcomer Mercedes this season - before making his surprise call.
"I was never retired. Retirement is final and that was never my consideration," he said.
"I said I was leaving the sport for a bit. I've considered my options and this is the next chapter in my career."
He will line up with his new team at the official pre-season test in Sydney on February 16.
Meanwhile, V8 Supercars have confirmed the 2013 round at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi had been scrapped after not receiving the green light from Formula One authorities.
The V8s had been the support category for the F1 Grand Prix at the glamour circuit last year but Formula One Management opted not to give the Supercars the nod in 2013.
I didn't realise he had taken a break. I was looking forward to him racing the Merks around the circuts. Dam. Love his driving.
