Russell delivers on 'number one co-driver' label

Peter Xiberras wanted the "number one co-driver" for his team for 2024, and got him.

In one race, David Russell has already delivered for the team, with James Golding and PremiAir Nulon Racing finally celebrating their first Supercars podiums.

At the centre of it was Russell, who has emerged as arguably the leading co-driver in recent years, thanks to a stunning run of form now across two teams.

Since 2021, Russell has finishes of third, fourth, second, second and third in endurance races, forging a powerful combination with Brodie Kostecki at Erebus Motorsport before being a fine partner for Golding.

Third at Sandown vindicated Xiberras's firm chase for Russell's services, with the veteran leaving behind an Erebus contract to join PremiAir.

“To join a new team that has never had a podium before, and join Jimmy who has done such a great job, it’s pretty rewarding for me,” Russell said after Sandown.

“I did say to the team, leading into this, that if we did everything and ticked all the boxes and did everything perfectly, we’d be on the podium.

“I'm glad that we did that today, all that hard work is paying off for the team.”

Russell had it all to do for Golding after being hit by Declan Fraser at Turn 9 during the race. However, armed with a fast car, Russell knew he and Golding could fight back: “I knew we’d be able to recover, we had a good car underneath us.

“Jimmy gave me feedback on the start of his stint, and I did the same for him. The part of the race when I was in there, the track was coming up and the car was getting better.

“I need no encouragement to do the best I can.”

PremiAir now has a test day before Bathurst, which could help the team find more gains ahead of the Great Race.

All told, Xiberras was delighted to see his hunt for Russell's signing turn to gold immediately, saying he has brought a "confidence" to the youngest team on the grid.

“After last year's Bathurst and enduro events, we sort of looked at the driver line-ups,” Xiberras said on Supercars.com's Schick Cool Down Lap podcast.

“This is just my personal opinion, if I've got it wrong, I've got it wrong, but I reckon he was the number one co-driver last year. When the opportunity came to snaffle him, I just said, ‘We're grabbing this guy’. I cannot be happier.

“He’s come into this team and honestly, he's brought such a breath of fresh air. He’s such a professional guy, but he's also brought such a confidence. Even today, he jumped out of the car and we were just talking after his stint.

“So, it's really nice to hear it from someone that's driven some really cool cars, it’s a massive vote of confidence. He was just such an important piece of the puzzle today.”

Russell was also pleased to repay the faith by the XIberras family, saying: “I’m very, very happy for Peter and Carmen Xiberras.

“To be able to be in this sport and to be in it for the time they have, and get this result, you can see the tears in their eyes of everyone in the garage, what it meant to them.”

Golding and Russell now head to the Repco Bathurst 1000, to be held from October 10-13. Tickets for the event are on sale now.