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Ojeda gets WAU chance

By Thomas Miles

Jayden Ojeda has been confirmed as Walkinshaw Andretti United’s new co-driver for the 2025 Supercars enduros.

With Lee Holdsworth off to Team 18, as rumoured, Ojeda will return to the team he made his solo debut with in 2022.

On the other side of the garage it is all the same with Fabian Coulthard being retained for a fourth straight enduro campaign.

Pairings are yet to be confirmed with Coulthard partnering Ryan Wood last year, while Mostert has teamed up with Holdsworth for the last two years.

It is something of a homecoming for Ojeda, who made his only six Supercars solo rounds in 2022 with WAU.

Jayden Ojeda has long been on the Supercars pathway seen here on wildcard debut at Winton.

He drove a #27 ZB Commodore at Winton and Hidden Valley and recorded a best result of 17th.

Prior to that drive he made his Supercars debut with GRM at Bathurst in 2020, while he has also made four starts with MSR.

Last year Ojeda carried on his progression by impressing alongside Jack Le Brocq at Erebus where he recorded a best Bathurst result of eighth.

The 25-year-old returns to WAU as a more complete driver being one of the leading GT pilots having picked up a factory backed drive for Mercedes.

“It’s awesome to be back in the WAU family for 2025, and back on the grid for Enduro Season once again. It’s an exciting year for everyone here so I’m really looking forward to it,” Ojeda said.

“The team were awesome in 2022, they made me feel at home and comfortable and we had a strong couple of rounds, so it’s cool to be back within the four walls. 

“There’s a lot of familiar faces obviously, but I’m really keen to spend as much time as possible with the team and get back comfortable as quickly as possible.”

With over 400 races Coulthard has plenty of experience and is glad to stay backed by WAU.

Ryan Wood and Fabian Coulthard at the 2024 Bathurst 1000 driver’s parade. Image: Peter Norton

“It’s really exciting to be back with everyone here at Walkinshaw Andretti United, it’s a great team with great group of guys and girls, and I think 2025 is going to be a big year for everyone involved on both sides of the garage,” the Kiwi said.

“To have a recognised endurance season once again is cool, so I’m glad to see that back in play, but hopefully we will have two cars in the hunt for The Finals as well, so it will be really interesting to see that all play out.

“Looking forward to being back around the team this weekend and jumping in for some laps on Monday to kick the year off.”

WAU CEO Bruce Stewart also paid tribute to the departing Holdsworth.

“It’s exciting to be able to announce our endurance line up for 2025, it’s great to have Fabian back once again, and Jayden returning to the Team,” Stewart said.

“Fabian did a fantastic job at both events last year, and his experience is great to have around the garage, and for Jayden, he more than impressed us all with his two races with us in 2022, so it’s really pleasing to have him back in our team, he’s a young guy with great speed and composure which is essential.

“When Enduro Season rolls around, we know the job both of these guys are going to do, and we can’t wait to see them out there.

“Of-course it would be remiss of us not to mention Lee Holdsworth as well. He’s been an integral part of our team and an even better guy to have around.

“He will always hold a special place in this Teams history as a Bathurst 1000 winner, and we wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

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