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Opel announces drivers for 2000

Team Petronas Syntium Opel has announced that itâ€™s Bankfin Touring Car Championship driver line up of Shaun Watson-Smith and Deon Joubert will remain together for the 2000 season. After five years as a works Opel Motorsport Group N driver, ...

Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM

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Team Petronas Syntium Opel has announced that it’s Bankfin Touring Car Championship driver line up of Shaun Watson-Smith and Deon Joubert will remain together for the 2000 season.

After five years as a works Opel Motorsport Group N driver, Watson-Smith signed a two-year contract when he joined the touring car team, while newcomer Joubert was on a one-year contract, which has now been extended for another year.

“The team has been very happy with the performance of both drivers during the year,” explains Opel Motorsport manager, Mike Carroll. “It has been a difficult development year for us on our return to the series, but both drivers have won races this year, which illustrates their talent and bodes well for next year.

“With the benefit of consistency in our formidable driver pairing, we look forward to an extremely competitive season next year,” he adds.

For Watson-Smith, next season will mark his seventh year as a works driver with Opel Motorsport and he is confident of challenging for the championship. “We have been very competitive in the last few races, which makes me very confident for next year. I think we will stand a good chance of winning the championship,” he says.

“During most of my time with Opel, we have won a championship every second year, so next year is the year to repeat this feat. Basically, the whole team expects to win the title next year.”

Joubert is also excited about remaining with Team Petronas Syntium Opel for another season. “I have found Opel Motorsport to be an exceptionally professional team,” he says.

“There is a distinct lack of politicking within the team, which makes for a wonderful environment. As a result, I think it is a great team to drive for.

“With the Opel Vectras going so well towards the end of the season, I believe Shaun and I have got the prime seats for next year. As team-mates we also get on exceptionally well and I rate him very highly, so if I can match his pace I will be very happy,” concludes Joubert.

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