EREBUS Motorsport has broken its silence on speculation regarding Brodie Kostecki’s immediate future, confirming the 2023 champion will miss the Supercars season-opener.
However, the team has denied that it has parted ways with the 26-year-old.
Todd Hazelwood will substitute for Kostecki at the Thrifty Bathurst 500 on February 23-25, with no mention of the roadmap for Round 2 onwards.
“Contrary to media reports, Brodie Kostecki remains part of the Erebus Motorsport family and is a valued member of our team,” read an Erebus statement supplied to V8 Sleuth.
“Brodie has indicated he’s not in a position to take part in the opening round of the 2024 Supercars Championship.
“Todd Hazelwood will stand in for Brodie at the Bathurst 500 from February 23-25.”
Supercars CEO Shane Howard voiced support for both Kostecki and Erebus.
“We understand the gravity of Brodie’s decision and the challenges he may be facing at this time,” said Howard.
“On behalf of everyone at Supercars, we wish Brodie all the best, and we sincerely hope to witness his return to the Repco Supercars Championship in the future.”
“In the meantime, we extend our support to Erebus as they navigate the start of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship with Todd Hazelwood and Jack Le Brocq driving for the team.
“Defending a championship title is never an easy task, but we are confident in Erebus’s ability to adapt and continue their pursuit of success on the track.”
Hazelwood, who lost his Blanchard Racing Team seat at the end of last year, is set to drive a brand-new #99 Camaro.
The 2017 Super2 champion had been in line to join Erebus as a co-driver, but will be promoted to a primary role for at least the first round.
There’s also been change on the other side of the Erebus garage, with Jack Le Brocq recruited to drive the #9 entry vacated by Will Brown, who has joined Triple Eight.
Erebus is due to test at Winton Motor Raceway on February 7.
