Marcos Ambrose has finally called time on his full-time V8 Supercars comeback, leaving the way clear for Fabian Coulthard and Scott Pye to drive a revitalised DJR-Penske team into 2016 and beyond. Confirmation of the expanded two-car team, and the signing of Coulthard after months of rumours and speculation, comes following a solid performance by Pye and Ambrose in the Bathurst 1000. Ambrose will still race in the final double-driver event of the season at the Gold Coast in just over a week but has yet to decide on his plans for next year, including a potential return to co-driving duties. “I do not intend to drive full-time any more. I elected not to be a part of it,” Ambrose confirmed on Tuesday to News Limited. “It’s absolutely my choice. There is no sadness. I’ve had a great run, a great career. I have my own personal reasons. I’ve got other priorities now.”(Herald Sun)(10-14-2015)
UPDATE: Marcos Ambrose will not return to the wheel of a V8 Supercar next season, Roger Penske has revealed. Having earlier opted out of a full-time drive, Ambrose met with Penske at Pukekohe to formally discuss his future with the team. Penske confirmed to Speedcafe.com that Ambrose has elected against continuing as a co-driver, but is likely to remain involved as a commercial ambassador. The move appears to spell retirement for the 39-year-old, who in March pulled out of a full-time drive with DJRTP just two events into his long awaited comeback from NASCAR. “I’ve talked to Marcos and he has made a decision that if he’s not the primary driver he doesn’t really want to be a co-driver,” Penske told Speedcafe.com. “I think from a driving perspective he won’t be in a car, but hopefully he will work with us on the commercial side. He’d still come to certain key races to support us. (Speed Cafe)(11-10-2015)
