Brodie Kostecki isn't sweating about his Supercars title defence as he prepares for his first race of the season.
Having sat out on the opening two rounds in Bathurst and Melbourne, the reigning champion will make his return to the driver's seat at the next round in New Zealand after his stand-off with Erebus came to an end.
The team confirmed Kostecki's return in a surprise statement on Monday, though both sides remained tight-lipped about the details of their falling out.
The 26-year-old said he was happy to be back with the team but admitted to being on the receiving end of some flak.
"I've had a few tune-ups from a few people around the joint that have been very pivotal in my career," Kostecki said on Wednesday.
"But it's great to see a lot of the boys in the team. To be able to run the number one, show all the hard work that they put in last year and see all their smiles on their faces has been pretty cool."
Kostecki got behind the wheel of his Chevrolet Camaro - sporting a new livery after major sponsors dropped out as a result of the contract dispute - on Wednesday for a test drive at Victoria's Winton Raceway.
The Perth product will be chasing the pack due to his belated season start but is confident he can make quick inroads in the championship standings.
"I'm still a little bit behind the car. I've got a little bit of catching up to do but I'm not too bothered," Kostecki said.
"It's just all about trying to find my feet again. It's like riding a bike, you have a few wobbles and then you find your feet.
"Anything's possible. We'll see how we end up but pretty confident we'll be up towards the front (in Taupo from April 19-21)."
Erebus chief Barry Ryan said the team were operating no differently to when Kostecki claimed the championship last year in Adelaide.
"It's back to normal. We would've like to start the year like that but unfortunately we couldn't," Ryan said.
"It's just great to see Brodie happy and healthy and ready to go.
"He's done his homework in the background, prepared himself. You don't need to push Brodie, he pushes himself and pushes us."
Erebus are fifth in the teams' championship standings, with Red Bull Ampol pair Will Brown and Broc Feeney enjoying a dominant start to the season.
