Reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Alex Premat has confirmed his place in S5000 Australia’s Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020 event.

 

Racing in the Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) prepared vehicle, it will be the Frenchman’s first drive at Albert Park since he competed as part of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship between 2012 and 2013.

 

While Premat has made a name for himself in touring car racing and various sportscars series and events around the world in recent years, he also gained a wealth of experience in an open wheel car competing alongside world superstars Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in the GP2 Series back in 2005 and 2006.

 

Ahead of his debut in the new category, Premet was looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a GRM prepared machine on the biggest stage in Australian motorsport.

 

“I’m pretty excited to join the team GRM for the opening S5000 race in 2020,” said Alex Premat.

 

“It has been a long time since I have driven a single seater. The last time was back in 2006 when I drove at ART Grand Prix with Lewis Hamilton. That was actually my last win in an open wheeler at Barcelona, so I’m really looking forward to being back in one of these cars.

 

“And I’m especially excited to be racing at the Melbourne Formula 1 event. I did two years in the Supercars, and it was pretty good. It’s a great event with a great atmosphere.

 

“Also, to be back with Garry, Barry and the GRM team is awesome. I need to learn the car, the big engine, big downforce, but it will be a good challenge.”

 

With the category’s entry list beginning to take shape ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, Premat isn’t the only high profile international locked in with former Formula 1 veteran Rubens Barrichello also returning to the category after racing at Sandown last year.

 

As well as the internationals, domestic stars Garth Tander, James Moffat and Michael Caruso will also form part of the S5000 entry list.

 

The Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix takes place at the Albert Park street circuit in Victoria on 12-15 March.