As the kids head back to school for another year, we thought what better time to announce Red Bull Racing Australia’s lead engineering class of 2016.
It may come as no surprise that David Cauchi has been secured again as Jamie Whincup’s right hand man. After being reunited for the last three events of 2015, the duo finished the year on a high, claiming nine podiums from nine races and finishing the season in P5. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
“It was very satisfying to see all of the hard work the entire team put in last year convert into race wins and podiums.” said Cauchi.
“Our car speed was a lot more consistent and we could focus on fine tuning the car for Jamie. Everyone was working really well together and enjoying going racing so I am expecting to come out the gate firing in 2016.”
Now, we know the question on everyone’s lips, “who will be engineering SVG”? After a killer year last season and narrowly missing the drivers’ Championship win with Craig Lowndes, we simply couldn’t let Grant McPherson go. Shippy is back for his second year with the team and is ready to partner with RBRA young gun Shane Van Gisbergen.
“Shane is one of the most talented drivers in our sport, so it is incredibly exciting to be working with him in 2016” said McPherson.
“He is a serious championship contender, so we will be working very hard to convert him into a championship victor. From our early chats I feel that we will work well together, and I can’t wait to shakedown our new car and have a productive test before Clipsal.”
The 2015 season is going to be a hard one to beat in Shippy’s eyes, resulting in a Bathurst win and Teams Championship trophy under his belt as the season came to a close.
“2015 was a remarkable year for so many reasons, and if Shane and I can build a relationship quickly, just like with Craig, then our potential for success will be great.
“Our 2016 line-up managed to win 10 of the last 13 races in 2015, and convincingly led the three that we missed, so our priority is to continue that momentum into 2016.”
There is no doubting both driver and engineer combos are facing a massive season ahead, but naturally we have no doubts. With the test day only a couple of weeks away, everyone here at RBRA is itching to get back to the track ahead of the Clipsal 500.
Still have some unanswered questions? Well wonder no more as Cauchi and Shippy take to Twitter tomorrow from 12.00pm – 12.30pm AEST to answer all your questions. Join the conversation using @redbullracingau.
