Bundaberg reveals 2010 colours.
Bundaberg Red Racing recruits Fabian Coulthard and Andrew Thompson took the covers off the team's new Holden Commodore as part of their first official outing for the team, revealing a revised livery for the 2010 V8 Supercar campaign.
Title sponsor Bundaberg Rum extended its partnership with Walkinshaw Racing at the end of the 2009 season, allowing the team to expand to a two-car operation for 2010, and the iconic 'Bundy Bear' will now adorn the sides of both the #10 and #24 cars, to be piloted by Thompson and Coulthard respectively. Diageo sponsorship manager Jack Mesley said it was pleasing to see the team evolving into a bigger and better squad.
"V8 Supercars continues to go from strength to strength," he noted, "We were delighted to be involved with the sport in 2009, and are excited about the year ahead as we increase our commitment to sponsorship of two cars. We're looking forward to seeing the Bundaberg Red Racing team achieve some great results on track in 2010. V8 Supercars remains a great avenue to continue to communicate our long running Fine Form message which encourages consumers to stay in control both on and off the track."
The 2010 livery will feature a predominantly black paint scheme, but will maintain the trademark red of the Bundaberg Red brand that was campaigned by David Reynolds over the 2009 season, and team CEO Craig Wilson said that he too looked forward to seeing Bundaberg Red Racing grow into a top level team this year.
"We have put a lot of work into growing and developing this team and I am confident that Fabian and Andrew will be able to do the job," he commented, "They are both valuable additions to Walkinshaw Racing for the 2010 season."
Coulthard was pleased to finally get into the swing of things at his new team after announcing last November he would switch from Ford to Holden. He started his V8 career in a Commodore back in 2004, when he drove for Tasman Motorsport and, after a short stint driving a Ford for Paul Cruickshank Racing, returns to the Holden fold for 2010.
"It's great to be here today unveiling my new Commodore," the Kiwi said, "With the New Year now underway and coming back from a refreshing break, we will now be able to get down to business so we can hit the ground running for the event in Abu Dhabi next month.
"We have some of the best equipment in pit-lane and I can't wait to get to the first event and show how strong we can be this year. The team at Walkinshaw Racing have been very accommodating so far. I had a drive in one of the Walkinshaw Commodores at the ride day in December so everything is falling into place nicely."
Thompson signed with Walkinshaw in December, and the 22-year old is determined to make his mark this year after sitting out last season following the folding of the PWR operation he drove for in 2008.
"It is great to be back in a Holden and I am ecstatic to be driving a Walkinshaw Racing Commodore for Bundaberg Red Racing," he admitted, "I couldn't be happier to be back in the 'main game'. It was great to get everything locked away before the Christmas break and now that I have made the move to Melbourne I am ready to get the year underway.
"I have been given an incredible break with one of the best teams in pit-lane and I plan to make the most of the opportunity. I haven't had a team-mate before so I am looking forward to working closely with Fabian and getting the Bundaberg Red Racing team as close to the front of the grid as possible."
Bundaberg Red Racing's 2010 sponsor line-up includes backing from luxury and high performance vehicle manufacturer Holden Special Vehicles, Oakley, Bridgestone, Purple Pig, ROH Wheels and Walkinshaw Performance, and will be at Winton Motor Raceway in early February for its first test of the 2010 campaign, before the cars are shipped to the Middle East for the inaugural double header season opener in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
