Plato to partner legend Brock

This will be Brock's 36th and final trip to Mount Panorama for the 1000k event, the circuit where his remarkable success in Australian racing began in the late Sixties.

"It's a fitting finale really," said Brock. "My first drive in the Bathurst classic was for the factory Holden Team and so will be my last. It's a unique place and a unique race and to be part of it once more in one of the HRT cars will be very special.

"I'm not making any predictions but we're in a one of the best cars going around in the HRT VY. Jason has won the BTCC and notched up a few wins lately so we should give a good account of ourselves."

Plato said: "I've been a huge fan of the annual Bathurst race for years, so to get another run around the place alongside a legend like Peter Brock doesn't get much better for a driver.

"What that guy doesn't know about winning Bathurst ain't worth knowing, and this is a fantastic opportunity to be back in a works Holden. I did it in 2000, but there was so much rain and in was the first time I've ever been frightened in a racing car! I love Australian motorsport - the V8s are a fantastic series and it fits in perfectly with my BTCC commitments, although rushing from Snetterton to get a plane for the Sandown 500 [the following weekend] on Sunday night will be fun!"

HRT owner and lead driver Mark Skaife said the thought of having Brock join the team had been around for a while.

"I'd been thinking about having Peter involved since early in the year and the synergy of having him start and finish his Bathurst 1000 career with the factory team made a lot of sense," said Skaife. "His achievements and success there is part of why we're here. I had a chat with Peter and with Holden and we all agreed it was a good idea so, it will be a special moment - one to enjoy."