Gaunt confirmed in Murphy's seat

Last updated 19:47 02/09/2010

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New Zealand's Daniel Gaunt has been confirmed as injured compatriot Greg Murphy's replacement for the next round of the V8 Supercars circuit in Philip Island next weekend.

Murphy will be given until next week to prove his fitness after suffering a back injury while holidaying in Fiji a fortnight ago but it appears unlikely he will be able to team up with Castrol Holden teammate Tim Blanchard in the L&H 500.

Gaunt, who contested the first seven rounds of the competition with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, tested for Castrol at Queensland Raceway on Tuesday and impressed team manager Paul Morris. ``He did fantastic job at pace,'' a team spokesman said.

"It looks as though Daniel will be given the nod.''

Ideally Murphy will pass a medical but he is more likely to be ready for the Bathurst 1000 which is scheduled for October 7-10.

"Murph will be given every chance but he's still highly doubtful (for Philip Island),'' the spokesman said.

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- NZPA