McLaughlin Bathurst return put on ice

A Scott McLaughlin Bathurst return will have to wait until at least 2023.

It was confirmed Friday that co-drivers Tony D'Alberto and Alex Davison will return for the Shell V-Power Racing Team.

It ensures McLaughlin will not race a Shell V-Power Mustang at October’s Great Race.

McLaughlin had planned to race in Bathurst; in February, he said his movements were "so far, so good".

In April, he revealed his nerves of a Bathurst return, having raced nothing but IndyCars since 2021.

The three-time Supercars champion’s return is now off the cards for 2022 after Friday’s news.

McLaughlin recently testing at Indianapolis

It comes after McLaughlin’s deal to race for the team last year was undone by border restriction issues.

D'Alberto will again race alongside Anton De Pasquale, with Alex Davison to return alongside brother Will.

The elder Davison was a late replacement for McLaughlin last year.

McLaughlin, who won the Great Race for the team in 2019, made his last Bathurst start in 2020.

It was also his last Supercars start before he shifted Stateside.

The New Zealander, who won 56 Supercars races, is second in the IndyCar standings after four starts.

McLaughlin won the 2019 Great Race

Team boss Ryan Story was adamant D’Alberto and Davison can again do a job for the team.

Both drivers impressed last year despite a trying race for the team; the #17 finished 10th, while the #11 failed to finish.

"To have Tony and Alex co-driving with us again in the Great Race, the Repco Bathurst 1000, is exciting for the Shell V-Power Racing Team after their excellent results in 2021, with a just-missed podium," Story said.

"Both were among the fastest co-drivers during the race last year and I know we’ll see that pace again this year.

"They are great members of our team and really do fit in well with not only all of our staff, but also with our partners, and embraced by all our wonderful and passionate supporters."

The Repco Bathurst 1000 will take place on October 6-9.