Shane van Gisbergen has recommitted his immediate future to Triple Eight Race Engineering, but wants to see Supercars' new Gen3 formula develop.
The three-time Supercars champion has spoken sporadically on the record about the new touring car platform, which was thrice delayed and the centre of significant controversy.
The Auckland-born, Brisbane-based driver suggested late last year that his future in the category hinged on the new cars.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch the 2023 IndyCar Series, featuring Will Power, Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon. All the action streaming ad free, live and on demand
Van Gisbergen was on the receiving end of scathing comments from legend Mark Skaife after he "said the truth about the car", copping criticism from the five-time champion.
In a social media post, the two-time Bathurst 1000 winner suggested he had "upset the top brass" with his honesty.
Ironically, his team have been the architects of the new-for-2023 Chevrolet Camaro.
Despite the noise at the season-opener, van Gisbergen has committed himself to Supercars and his Triple Eight team.
In the announcement, van Gisbergen noted Gen3 and his desire to see the cars develop.
"The best thing about our sport is that it's always evolving," he said.
"All these challenges we've had with the new cars will hopefully work themselves out as we keep updating the cars over the next few events.
"There's always something to learn and always things to keep getting better at.
"It's those challenges that keep it fresh, and working with this team to understand those challenges and make the cars better is what I really enjoy."
The exact terms of the deal haven't been revealed, although his contract has been described as a multi-year extension.
"Extending with Red Bull Ampol Racing was a no-brainer for me," said van Gisbergen.
"It's certainly exciting to continue with the best team in pit lane and I'm stoked to be able to stay. I've never been happier at this team.
"The coolest moment for me, and one that really solidified my decision was the team repairing my car after I had that shunt at the Australian Grand Prix.
"Everyone stuck in to help each other to get No.97 fixed. Even though we missed the next practice session, to come out and put the car on pole in qualifying was amazing.
"Seeing how much that meant to everyone was a special moment, and to then win that race was unreal.
"It's such a fantastic team environment at the moment, and we have a great crew that I love working with."
Van Gisbergen joined the team in 2016 and won the title that year. Since then, he's finished no lower than fourth in the drivers' championship, winning the title twice more in 2021 and 2022.
To date, van Gisbergen has 77 race wins, 46 pole positions, and 170 podiums across 486 race starts.
The Supercars Championship continues on April 28-30 at Wanneroo Raceway.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Shane van Gisbergen has recommitted his immediate future to Triple Eight Race Engineering, but wants to see Supercars' new Gen3 formula develop.
The three-time Supercars champion has spoken sporadically on the record about the new touring car platform, which was thrice delayed and the centre of significant controversy.
The Auckland-born, Brisbane-based driver suggested late last year that his future in the category hinged on the new cars.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch the 2023 IndyCar Series, featuring Will Power, Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon. All the action streaming ad free, live and on demand
Van Gisbergen was on the receiving end of scathing comments from legend Mark Skaife after he "said the truth about the car", copping criticism from the five-time champion.
In a social media post, the two-time Bathurst 1000 winner suggested he had "upset the top brass" with his honesty.
Ironically, his team have been the architects of the new-for-2023 Chevrolet Camaro.
Despite the noise at the season-opener, van Gisbergen has committed himself to Supercars and his Triple Eight team.
In the announcement, van Gisbergen noted Gen3 and his desire to see the cars develop.
"The best thing about our sport is that it's always evolving," he said.
"All these challenges we've had with the new cars will hopefully work themselves out as we keep updating the cars over the next few events.
"There's always something to learn and always things to keep getting better at.
"It's those challenges that keep it fresh, and working with this team to understand those challenges and make the cars better is what I really enjoy."
The exact terms of the deal haven't been revealed, although his contract has been described as a multi-year extension.
"Extending with Red Bull Ampol Racing was a no-brainer for me," said van Gisbergen.
"It's certainly exciting to continue with the best team in pit lane and I'm stoked to be able to stay. I've never been happier at this team.
"The coolest moment for me, and one that really solidified my decision was the team repairing my car after I had that shunt at the Australian Grand Prix.
"Everyone stuck in to help each other to get No.97 fixed. Even though we missed the next practice session, to come out and put the car on pole in qualifying was amazing.
"Seeing how much that meant to everyone was a special moment, and to then win that race was unreal.
"It's such a fantastic team environment at the moment, and we have a great crew that I love working with."
Van Gisbergen joined the team in 2016 and won the title that year. Since then, he's finished no lower than fourth in the drivers' championship, winning the title twice more in 2021 and 2022.
To date, van Gisbergen has 77 race wins, 46 pole positions, and 170 podiums across 486 race starts.
The Supercars Championship continues on April 28-30 at Wanneroo Raceway.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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