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Alex Premat: A Journey Through Racing with Scott McLaughlin
Throughout his diverse motorsport career, Alex Premat has experienced racing alongside some of the best in the world. The French driver, who secured a victory at the 2004 Macau Grand Prix, has encountered elite competition, including renowned drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton during his stint in GP2, where he consistently finished in the top four for two consecutive seasons. His successful partnership with Mike Rockefeller led to a Le Mans Series title win in 2008, and he recalls fond memories racing alongside Bruno Spengler in Formula 3, sharing travel experiences and language lessons through music.
However, when reflecting on his favourite teammate, the West Coast-based Premat highlights his long-lasting collaboration with Scott McLaughlin in Supercars, which spanned from 2013 to 2019. Their journey started at Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM) and extended through several endurance rounds, culminating in triumph at the Bathurst 1000 with DJR Team Penske in 2019. Premat played an instrumental role in McLaughlin’s first two titles in the Supercars series before the latter shifted to IndyCar in 2020.
“Partnering with Scott was the pinnacle of my Supercars career,” Premat shared. “Scott is not only an exceptional driver but also a fantastic person. Our time together was filled with great memories. I remember traveling to COTA for our first race back in 2013 and how it felt like an adventure.”
The supportive bond between the two was evident throughout their racing ventures. Premat noted that even during periods away from Australia, McLaughlin would keep him updated on team developments and fend off media inquiries regarding Premat’s status in the sport. That trust deepened when McLaughlin insisted on having Premat join him during his transition to a new team in 2017, a move that both drivers valued highly at demanding circuits where precision is paramount.
Bonding Experiences and Building Trust
“We had an authentic relationship,” Premat reflected. “The media’s scrutiny could be tough, especially as I was based in America. There were doubts about my readiness, but Scott had complete faith in my abilities. His belief was reassuring and eliminated any uncertainties I had.”
Premat made his debut in Supercars in 2012 with GRM, after leaving his position with the Audi factory team. His early experiences were rife with challenges, including being sidelined in Surfers Paradise and battling dehydration during his final round in Sydney due to a malfunctioning cool suit. In a serendipitous turn, McLaughlin stepped into his seat for the latter’s debut race, setting the stage for their collaborative journey beginning in 2013 when McLaughlin joined GRM full-time.
“Scott was eager to learn from my experiences,” Premat recounted, emphasizing his own extensive background, which included a single Formula 1 practice session with the Spyker team and steering France to victory in the inaugural A1 Grand Prix in 2005-06.
“I had no pressure, so I was coming just free. Some people with no pressure, they perform better,” Premat stated.
“He often sought my input on my past experiences,” Premat added, recalling that McLaughlin had turned down an invitation for a DTM test with Audi due to prior commitments in V8 Supercars.
Performing Under Less Pressure
Premat believed that being a part-time driver, with less pressure, allowed him to enhance his performance. His connection with McLaughlin contributed significantly to this dynamic. He recalled how McLaughlin displayed remarkable maturity for his age, leading to his own growth as a driver. Premat recognized that adapting his driving style—specifically his unique left-foot braking—improved his overall performance.
“Despite not racing full-time, I was able to keep pace with Scott’s times,” he said, noting that his surroundings and reduced expectations played a pivotal role in this achievement.
Following a successful 2016 collaboration with Shane van Gisbergen at Triple Eight, which included notable podium finishes, Premat and McLaughlin reunited in 2017 when McLaughlin joined DJR Team Penske. The synergy within the team was further enhanced when they brought in Triple Eight’s technical director, Ludo Lacroix.
“When Scott spoke with Roger, he insisted, ‘I want Alex, that’s it,’” Premat recalled, illustrating their strong connection.
Despite a disappointing outing at Bathurst in 2017, where they faced engine troubles, Premat and McLaughlin achieved their first victory together at Surfers Paradise that year. They came close to winning Bathurst multiple times, with Premat believing they had the potential to succeed repeatedly during their time with DJR Team Penske. The breakthrough finally came in 2019, although not without its controversies surrounding team strategy and engine issues.
Crowning Achievement at Bathurst
Premat describes their Bathurst victory as one of the most memorable moments of his career. “Winning that race was a significant accomplishment for us. We had all the necessary components—a capable car, skilled mechanics, and a cohesive team. It was a great relief to finally conquer Bathurst after several attempts.”
Today, although McLaughlin is excelling in IndyCar, Premat cherishes their friendship and the respect they developed during their partnership. Premat, now focusing on coaching gentleman drivers in North America, reflects on his time in Supercars with pride. His story is one of collaboration, growth, and the forging of lasting relationships within the fierce world of motorsport.
Source
www.autosport.com