Shell V-Power Racing extends Coulthard deal

Virgin Australia Supercars Championship leader Fabian Coulthard has inked a new deal to remain at Shell V-Power Racing beyond the end of the current season.

Although keeping details of the contract guarded, the team has confirmed to Supercars.com this afternoon that an agreement with Coulthard has been reached.

Coulthard joined the Penske owned team from Brad Jones Racing last season where he finished 12th in the championship with a best finish of third.

A strong upturn in results has followed this year, with Coulthard already scoring three wins and leading the standings by 10 points after 12 races.

The new deal ensures Shell V-Power has a stable driver line-up heading into 2018 with Scott McLaughlin starting a multi-year tenure this season.

Managing director Ryan Story says that the team was keen to ensure stability for future years.

"We're delighted with the efforts of both Fabian and Scott and the results to date for Shell V-Power Racing Team," said Story.

"Effort equals results, and stability will only make us stronger as a team."

Coulthard is the second high-profile off-contract driver to opt to stay with his current squad following Craig Lowndes' signing of a new two-year deal with Triple Eight last month.

David Reynolds is also said to be closing on a new deal to remain at Erebus, while Prodrive is working to extend Chaz Mostert’s tenure with its squad in what could prove to be a silly season of minimal changes.