Winterbottom reveals 2016 car

Prodrive Racing (Australia) driver and newly-crowned V8 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom has wasted no time showing his intentions for his title defence in 2016.

The team this morning announced The Bottle-O as the primary backer of his #1 Ford Falcon at an event on Sydney Harbour.

V8 Supercars’ man of the moment cruised into Darling Island Wharf this morning to pull the covers off his 2016 entry, displaying the champion’s #1 for the first time since wrapping up his and the team’s maiden championship at Sydney Olympic Park on the weekend.

The announcement he will join The Bottle-O Racing Team coincides with the continuation of The Bottle-O’s sponsorship of Prodrive Racing.

“We’re so excited to announce the identity of our new team driver for 2016,” said The Bottle-O’s CEO Scott Marshall.

“After a nail-biting championship finale for ‘Frosty’, The Bottle-O and Prodrive Racing have high hopes for 2016, both for Mark and the positive impact the sponsorship has on our brand awareness.

“We’ve had a long-standing history with V8 Supercars, via our sponsorship of The Bottle-O Racing Team. We can’t think of a better way to head into our 10th year, than with Mark at the wheel and The Bottle-O brand on the number one car.”

Winterbottom’s win at Homebush fulfils his lifelong dream to take home the V8 Supercars championship.

“It’s fantastic to announce a new partnership on my car with The Bottle-O, and to do so with number one on the side as the new V8 Supercars Champion makes it even more special," Winterbottom said.

“The Bottle-O has been a supporter of our team for many years so I am looking forward to representing them as I defend my title. It is great to have the commitment of a brand that sees such value in our team, so I am sure we’ll have a fun and successful 2016.”

Prodrive Racing team owners Rod Nash and Rusty French took over the team three years ago and have since won two Bathurst 1000 crowns and now the V8 Supercars Championship.

“Today is a great day for our team and The Bottle-O as we get to show the number one on our car for the first time and also reveal their involvement with Mark for next season and beyond," Nash said.

"Every team fights to have the number one on the car and we’ve got it after years of hard work so it is great reward for everyone.

“We are launching a new era today and I want to thank The Bottle-O for their long-term commitment to my team and motorsport fans. Together we have one of the longest-serving partnerships in V8 Supercars.

“As a collective group we are aiming to defend the title and launching this car, one day after the season, shows our intention. The 2016 season has already begun.”

Winterbottom will officially receive his championship trophy at tonight’s V8 Supercars Gala Awards ceremony in Sydney.