World renowned GT endurance driver Kevin Estre has been announced as the final co-driver at Grove Racing for the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 and Repco Bathurst 1000.
The French ace forms part of Porsche’s World Endurance Championship line-up as it enters the new LMDh era of sportscar racing, but will contest the two Supercars endurance events joining Garth Tander as a co-driver.
Grove Racing enjoys a longstanding relationship with Porsche whether it be as a customer through its own GT program or having the likes of Matt Campbell or Earl Bamber fulfill co-driver roles within the team.
Estre will fill the role due to clashing IMSA commitments for Campbell, but is excited for the new experience.
“Really glad to join the Penrite Racing team for this year for the enduros as a co-driver,” said Estre, who has Mount Panorama experience courtesy of the Bathurst 12 Hour.
“It is a championship I always loved, and I remember watching races with my grandpa on the sofa being a really young kid in France.
“I can’t wait to be in Sandown and Bathurst and drive this awesome car.”
A winner at the world’s leading endurance races at Le Mans, Spa and the Nurburgring in addition to winning the FIA WEC GTE Drivers’ Championship, Estre credentials speak for themselves according to Team Owner Stephen Grove.
“When the IMSA calendar came out and it was evident there would be a clash with Matt Campbell, it was vital that we signed the best possible endurance driver we could find,” he explained.
“Kévin is an incredible talent and someone who’s had great success at the highest level for a long period of time.
“His raw speed was our first attraction to him, however his experience in long-distance races meant that he was the perfect fit.
“He’s used to working with some of the most accomplished racing teams in the world and we can’t wait to see what he brings to Penrite Racing.
“Having driven at Bathurst before and being a big fan of Supercars, we were confident that there would be a relatively short learning curve for someone of his stature and professionalism.”
A point of view shared by Team Principal David Cauchi.
“Penrite Racing are privileged to have a driver of Kévin’s calibre join our endurance line-up this year.
“With the return of the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 and the amount of points on offer at both endurance events, it is extremely important to our Championship to have Kévin onboard alongside Garth.
“We couldn’t be happier with our endurance driver line-up in 2023.”
Who out of David Reynolds or Matt Payne will be partnered by Estre is undecided.