Champion Brodie Kostecki will miss the Bathurst season opener

Erebus Motorsport has confirmed that reigning Supercars champion Brodie Kostecki will miss the Bathurst 500 season opener.

“Contrary to media reports, Brodie Kostecki remains part of the Erebus Motorsport family and is a valued member of our team,” the statement from Erebus Motorsport reads.

“Brodie has indicated he’s not in a position to take part in the opening round of the 2024 Supercars Championship.

“Todd Hazelwood will stand in for Brodie at the Bathurst 500 from February 23-25.”

Todd Hazelwood will take over the wheel from Kostecki in the first race of the 2024 season, with the reigning champion yet to state why he will stand down.

“We understand the gravity of Brodie’s decision and the challenges he may be facing at this time,” said Supercars CEO Shane Howard.

“On behalf of everyone at Supercars, we wish Brodie all the best, and we sincerely hope to witness his return to the Repco Supercars Championship in the future.

“In the meantime, we extend our support to Erebus as they navigate the start of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship with Todd Hazelwood and Jack Le Brocq driving for the team.

“Defending a Championship title is never an easy task, but we are confident in Erebus’s ability to adapt and continue their pursuit of success on the track.”