HE might be a Frenchman, but Alex Premat knows a thing or two about the New Zealand sense of humour.
The talented co-driver has spent the last three years partnering a Kiwi during the Supercars’ Enduro Cup and in 2017 he is doing it once more.
Last year Premat played an important role in helping Shane van Gisbergen to his first Bathurst 1000 podium, while this Sunday he will be looking to do the same for Scott McLaughlin.
Premat, who previously raced with McLaughlin in 2014 and 2015 before a stint with Red Bull Racing, forms part of the DJR Team Penske outfit this season.
“I am pretty pumped, you know I am pretty excited joining Scott for this year,” the defending Enduro Cup champion said.
“I had a really good relationship with Shane last year and still have a very good relationship with him. I still had a good relationship with Scott last year when I was driving with Shane. I’m trying to build a good relationship in V8 Supercars with those two boys.
“It’s funny because they are both Kiwis guys, so I know how they can speak the slang.”
As well as seat change this year, Premat is also racing a different make of car in a Ford Falcon FG-X. His second placing with McLaughlin at Sandown shows that has not been an issue.
“For three years I have moved from Volvo to Holden and now to Ford,” he said.
“The car is super fast, very predictable, definitely different from the Red Bull Car and the Volvo car, but I am very pumped.”
