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DJR Team Penske has announced that Fabian Coulthard, one of the top drivers competing in the V8 Supercars Championship, will join DJR Team Penske for the 2016 season in a second entry for the team.

The 33-year-old Coulthard, who made his debut in the V8 Supercars Championship at Oran Park in 2004, has established himself as one of the most productive drivers on the circuit with victories in each of the last three seasons, achieving five wins, six poles and 29 podium finishes since 2013. DJR Team Penske also announced that Scott Pye will return to race the No. 17 Ford Falcon in 2016.

“Expanding to two cars has always been a priority of ours, and with Fabian on board, gives us the opportunity to add another car capable of running at the front,” said Tim Cindric, Team Penske President.

Coulthard is currently ranked fifth in the V8 Supercars Championship standings.

“I’m excited about 2016 and coming aboard at DJR Team Penske,” said Coulthard. “The chance to race for two motorsport legends like Dick Johnson and Roger Penske is just a special opportunity. I’m looking forward to next season and helping the team grow and race at the front of the field.”

Born in England, Coulthard moved to New Zealand at a young age and won several karting titles before moving up to Formula Ford in New Zealand and claiming the championship there.  After returning to England to compete in Formula Renault, Coulthard joined the Porsche Carrera Cup, and finished third in the series while claiming top rookie honors in 2004. He captured the series title the following season and started to focus on the V8 Supercars Championship. Coulthard began competing in the series full-time in 2008 when he produced six top-10 round finishes. He joined Brad Jones Racing in 2012 and enjoyed a breakout season the following year with three victories and 12 podium results on his way to sixth-place finish in the championship. Last season, he scored a win and three pole positions as he finished eighth in the final series standings and he continues to be a force in 2015 driving for Brad Jones Racing.

Competing in the No. 17 DJR Team Penske Ford Falcon this season, Pye has produced six top-10 finishes in 22 starts, with a top result of fourth place at Darwin. Taking over full-time driving duties for the team in the second round of the V8 Supercars Championship this season, Pye will look to build on his success in 2016 when he returns to the team.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to continue racing for Dick and Roger again in 2016. This year has had some ups and downs, but we have been moving in the right direction,” Scott Pye said. “Expanding to two cars with Fabian is incredibly exciting. He’s a hard-nosed racer and together we want to build DJR Team Penske into a contender.”

“I fully support the team with the exciting announcements here today,” said Marcos Ambrose. “My number one priority since stepping out of the car full time was helping the team with that transition and in Fabian and Scotty, the team has a great future ahead for 2016 and beyond.”